NOT A HOTEL introduces a groundbreaking chapter in Japanese hospitality with the debut of its first two brands: HERITAGE by NOT A HOTEL and vertex by NOT A HOTEL. While HERITAGE reimagines temples and museums through a present-day lens, vertex is dedicated to the synergy between architectural innovation and advanced technology. The inaugural vertex property, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), is set to redefine the luxury hotel experience on the storied island of Okinawa.
Contextual Design Rooted in Okinawa’s Landscape
The vertex hotel occupies a unique site where the vibrant blues of Okinawa Bay meet the lush, forested terrain. ZHA’s design philosophy draws from four decades of creative engagement with Japan, blending the nation’s landscape traditions, urban sensibilities, and artisanal excellence. Rather than imposing itself, the hotel’s architecture responds to its environment, integrating seamlessly with the 25,322-square-meter site to preserve the island’s delicate ecosystems.
HOTELS TO DISCOVER ON ARCHISCENE
Environmental responsibility shapes every aspect of the project. From the outset, the design team collaborated closely with local forestry commissions, marine conservationists, and environmental authorities to ensure the hotel’s footprint is minimal. The result is a structure that appears to float between forest and sea, maintaining privacy for each villa while safeguarding the biodiversity of both land and marine habitats.
Architecture Inspired by Ancient Geology
The hotel’s form is deeply influenced by the site’s Ryukyu Limestone, a geological legacy of Pleistocene-era coral reefs. These ancient formations, coupled with the area’s humid microclimate, nurture a dense subtropical rainforest that envelops the property. ZHA’s approach follows the shoreline’s natural contours, unfolding as a sequence of stepped terraces, open courtyards, and landscaped gardens. This strategy not only echoes the site’s topography but also fosters a strong connection between guests and the surrounding environment.
To optimize comfort and environmental performance, the design was informed by an extensive digital modeling process. Factors such as temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind patterns, solar exposure, and air quality were analyzed throughout the year. This data-driven approach led to the creation of signature canopies, broad, sheltering structures that cascade toward the shoreline, offering shaded outdoor spaces reminiscent of traditional Okinawan architecture. These overhangs provide a contemporary twist on vernacular forms, enhancing both the aesthetic and functional qualities of the hotel.
Materials and Craftsmanship
Rooted in the region’s cultural heritage, the hotel showcases the skills of master artisans. Locally sourced Okinawa pine, limestone from nearby quarries, and handcrafted ceramics anchor the design in its context. Every detail, from intricately carved woodwork to bespoke ceramic accents, reflects a commitment to authenticity and craft, ensuring the hotel is not just a destination but a celebration of Okinawa’s artistic traditions.
The architecture embraces the prevailing Kāchibē winds, promoting natural ventilation throughout communal and private spaces. Elevated 6.5 meters above the high-water mark, the structure is engineered to withstand typhoons, storm surges, and seismic events, a necessity in this dynamic coastal setting. Modular, prefabricated components finished to evoke the region’s coral sands are crafted using recycled aggregates, exemplifying a circular approach to construction and reducing environmental impact.
Nature and Design at NOT A HOTEL
Ludovico Lombardi, Project Director at ZHA, describes the project as an exploration of composition and materiality inspired by nature’s own formations. The hotel’s terraces and canopies create a seamless transition from the rocky shoreline to the dense rainforest, framing uninterrupted ocean views and fostering an immersive experience in Okinawa’s diverse ecosystems. Each journey through the property becomes a narrative of discovery, privacy, and connection to place.
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Project Credits
Client: NOT A HOTEL Co., Ltd.
Architecture: Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA)
Principal: Patrik Schumacher
Project Director: Ludovico Lombardi
Local Architect/Engineering: Kume Sekkei
