Bjarke Ingels Unveils Stunning Villas on Japan's Sagishima Island

Renowned architect Bjarke Ingels has transformed the serene landscapes of Sagishima Island in Japan with his latest project, a trio of vacation villas that embody a unique blend of Japanese and Scandinavian design aesthetics. Spanning approximately 323,000 square feet, these villas, created for the hospitality brand NOT A HOTEL, are nestled atop steep hills, offering breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea.

Each villa is designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings, featuring curvilinear forms and locally sourced rammed earth walls. Ingels describes the experience as akin to stepping into a Japanese landscape painting, with the humidity and lush greenery creating a watercolor-like ambiance. Villa 360, named for its panoramic views, boasts a pool that overlooks the expansive sea, while Villa 270 includes an interior pool and outdoor fire pit, catering to different guest experiences.

All three villas—360, 270, and 180—are thoughtfully positioned on distinct peaks and designed to maximize their respective vistas. Their “extroverted” architectural style incorporates retractable glass walls and skylights, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the picturesque landscape. Villa 360 features a ring-shaped layout, while Villa 270’s broken-circle design creates a central area for relaxation, complete with a sauna and sunbathing spots. Villa 180, closest to the water, has a horseshoe shape that embraces a private moss garden.

The interiors reflect a commitment to natural materials, with exposed wood ceilings and slate tile flooring patterned to evoke traditional tatami mats. This design philosophy extends to the villas’ roofs, which are adorned with small-scale photovoltaic tiles that harness solar energy, merging modern technology with traditional aesthetics. Ingels emphasizes the importance of sustainable design, noting that the villas’ thermal mass and structural integrity are enhanced by the use of rammed earth, which is both locally sourced and earthquake-resistant.

Ingels highlights that the villas encourage a seamless dialogue between the architecture and the environment, creating an immersive experience for guests. Each element, from the furnishings to the dining areas, is curated to dissolve the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. This project marks BIG’s inaugural venture in Japan, showcasing a creative exchange between Japanese and Scandinavian design traditions, with Ingels already planning further collaborations in the region.

Source: www.architecturaldigest.com