Gold Interior Space and Exhibition Design · 2021
Strata Naha Hotel
by Uds Ltd.
- A' Design Award 2021 Gold Winner in Interior Space and Exhibition Design
- Awarded April 15, 2021
- CLIENT: Hotel Strata Naha
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 34,225
- Verification code DF63CF5A9A · Verify this award
About Strata Naha Hotel
The project plans to create a unique 'city resort' hotel in the heart of Naha-city, Okinawa. The name "Strata" was inspired by the land's rich nature and culture, which means layers of earth; it aims to discover layers of preexisting cultural gems and adding new layers of value to the ongoing cultural contents. The project also aimed to create a hotel that connects with the local community; original textiles are incorporated in a modern interior design by collaborating with local traditional artisans.
Strata Naha Hotel by Uds Ltd. emerges from a rich tradition of hospitality design that seeks to dissolve conventional boundaries between interior comfort and natural environment, embodying principles of biophilic architecture that have gained significant traction in contemporary spatial practice while drawing upon deeper cultural roots in regional building traditions that have long honored the integration of living elements within constructed spaces. The technical achievement of this lobby interior lies in its sophisticated orchestration of material relationships, where the rough-hewn character of the dry-stacked limestone wall provides a compelling textural counterpoint to the refined smoothness of the polished floor surfaces and the warm lustrous finish of the wooden reception counter, creating a sensory dialogue that rewards sustained attention and close observation. The decision to incorporate a living tree as the spatial centerpiece represents more than mere decorative gesture; it establishes an experiential anchor that transforms the lobby from a transitional space into a destination worthy of contemplation, the organic growth patterns of the branching structure offering a meditative focal point that grounds visitors in natural rhythms despite their urban context. Chromatic restraint throughout the palette demonstrates considerable sophistication, allowing the subtle variations within the limestone's natural coloration to emerge as the primary visual interest while the verdant foliage provides essential vitality without overwhelming the compositional harmony. The seating arrangements suggest careful consideration of diverse hospitality scenarios, from intimate conversation facilitated by the platform sofas at left to the formal service interactions accommodated by the reception counter at right, all unified by the mediating presence of the central garden element. Traditional textile patterns visible on the cushions introduce notes of cultural specificity that honor regional craft heritage while remaining subordinate to the overall aesthetic restraint. One might contemplate how the interplay of natural light, suggested by the twilight visible through the glass wall at left, and artificial illumination creates an atmosphere of timeless sanctuary that transcends the quotidian concerns of travel and accommodation.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The project plans to create a unique 'city resort' hotel in the heart of Naha-city, Okinawa. The name "STRATA" was inspired by the land's rich nature and culture, which means layers of earth; it aims to discover layers of preexisting cultural gems and adding new layers of value to the ongoing cultural contents. The project also aimed to create a hotel that connects with the local community; original textiles are incorporated in a modern interior design by collaborating with local traditional artisans. The hotel has become a valuable accommodation choice for the guests where one can escape the city and relax at a convenient location and reasonable pricing.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Fifteen stories Reinforced Concrete structure, the floor area is about 8,040 square meters. The height of the building is about 50 meters; it contains 221 guest rooms.
- Tags
- Strata, Hotel, Resort, Asia, Japan, Okinawa, Naha, Crafts, Design Hotel, City Resort
- Production Technology
- The project's design achieved a modern expression while using conventional materials from the region, such as Ryukyu limestone, traditional red roof tiles, and locally sourced mud. The interior and the exterior spaces are integrated continuously; some external materials were introduced for the interior finishes. Based on the local geological data, plastered walls with different colors were adopted for each floor visible from the outside. The wooden ceiling of the restaurant is referencing the pattern of the traditional woven textile as well.
- Design Challenge
- The project obtained special permission from the government and proceeded on large-scale development by being acknowledged for its contributions to the region. All of the craftworks that take part in the interior design were created in close collaboration with local artisans. The designer and the local craftsman spent much time discussing production techniques, designs, sizes, and colors to achieve its quality. Besides, cost control across architecture, interior design, and furniture design was implemented to secure the plenty of craftwork budget.
- Project Duration
- The project started in April 2016 in Naha city, Okinawa, Japan. Naha is the largest city in Okinawa, a prefecture comprising more than 150 islands in the East China Sea between Taiwan and Japan's mainland. Okinawa is known for its tropical climate, broad beaches, coral reefs, and World War II heritage. The hotel is located in Naha, the closest monorail station, Miebashi, which is 30 seconds walk away from the site, and 7 stops from Naha International Airport. The hotel was completed and started its operation in April 2020.
- Operation Flow
- The hotel purposed to be open its doors to the local community; the restaurant entrance on the first floor is placed directly on the main street—the project intended to revitalize the area by creating lively neighborhood sceneries. Incorporating various craftworks throughout the hotel generates opportunities for the local artisans and supports local businesses. Furthermore, by engaging in its design to its operation, a company like UDS consistently keeps the storytelling alive and consecutive.
- Research
- The design concept and brand story were developed by tracing the land and culture's history around the planned site back to about 500 years ago. The architecture, interior, furniture, art, and decorations were comprehensively designed to follow the story. The interior designers researched traditional crafts history in the region and collaborated with multiple local artisans to challenge new expressions. The building's louvers are designed from traditional textile patterns in the region and change their appearance depending on the light shades.
- Inspiration
- Approximately 500 years ago, the project site was submerged in the ocean, and there is an ancient forest next to the property, which was once an island. Additionally, a causeway connecting islands to the capital of Shuri, an important trade route for the Ryukyu kingdom, was passed by. The concept of "STRATA" was created based on the research of the land's historical and geological importance, leading the project to deeply connect to the traditions and cultures cultivated through Okinawa's rich nature and history.
- Image Credits
- image #1 and Optional Image #1,3,4: Nakasa and Partners Inc.
Optional Image #2: Yuna Yagi - Patents
- Copyrights belong to UDS Ltd.,2020