Rinn Kyoto Miyagawasuji Hitotose Aki Private Hotels

Listeners will explore an interior hospitality space designed as a private hotel featuring a prominent indoor soaking pool. Scanning from foreground to background through a double-height room, the composition begins with a rectangular bathing pool occupying approximately one-third of the lower image, its waters a cool aquamarine like tropical shallows or weathered copper, gently rippling with soft light reflections dancing across the surface. Stone edges frame the pool, their grey-green tones suggesting cool smoothite beneath fingertips. Rising beyond the pool at middle distance, a low daybed stretches horizontally, upholstered in fabric resembling charcoal wool, textured like soft flannel, positioned on a raised platform of pale stone flooring smooth as polished limestone. Two square cushions in matching grey rest at angles suggesting casual arrangement. A small stack of books and a warm-toned rectangular object occupy one corner of the daybed surface. The left wall ascends in rough-textured concrete or lime plaster, its surface weathered to reveal patches of green and brown like aged copper or moss-touched stone, cool and granular to imagined touch. Warm amber light from small wall-mounted fixtures creates glowing pools against this textured surface, their warmth like late afternoon sun on ancient walls. An open metal staircase with dark rails and honey-colored wooden treads angles upward along this wall, disappearing into shadow above. The background reveals a dining area with wooden furniture beneath hanging pendant lights, their ceramic forms suggesting handcrafted warmth. Wine glasses catch ambient light on a small table. To the right, a narrow corridor leads toward a kitchen area with visible sink and fixtures. The ceiling appears smooth and light, with recessed fixtures and climate controls visible. Decorative copper-toned panels featuring wave-like patterns add warmth to the otherwise mineral palette. The overall atmosphere suggests evening tranquility, warm light against cool surfaces, a sanctuary designed for contemplation and restoration.

The hotel faces Miyagawa-suji, a street that retains the traditional beauty of Kyoto. The designer devised a lighting plan that invites guests inside while preserving the Japanese concept of incorporating the outside within and the atmosphere of Junichiro Tanizaki's book "In Praise of Shadows". Furthermore, as part of the hospitality, the design also incorporates a range of activities and local materials to ensure guests can spend long periods of time in comfort.