Iron Interior Space and Exhibition Design · 2025
Ref Okinawa Arena Hotel
by Uds Ltd.
- A' Design Award 2025 Iron Winner in Interior Space and Exhibition Design
- Awarded April 15, 2025
- CLIENT: Sukoyaka Holdings
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 14,254
- Verification code B086309E64 · Verify this award
About Ref Okinawa Arena Hotel
Ref Okinawa Arena is a hotel located inland on Okinawa Island, away from the coastal resort areas. The eight-story reinforced concrete building has a total floor area of about 5,929 square meters and contains 150 guest rooms, restaurants, two rental meeting spaces, a sauna, a pool and a rooftop bar. The exterior facade is based on the hana-block, a traditional Okinawan vent block, with frames in tropical green and brick red. The first two floors are multifunctional spaces linked by a central staircase and open to a terrace garden facing a public park.
Ref Okinawa Arena Hotel by Uds Ltd. positions contemporary hospitality design within evolving paradigms that seek to balance functional clarity with emotional resonance, creating environments that serve practical needs while nurturing human connection and psychological wellbeing. The design demonstrates sophisticated spatial thinking through its double-height volume that establishes vertical drama and spatial generosity without sacrificing intimacy, achieving that delicate equilibrium where monumentality enhances rather than overwhelms human presence. Compositionally, the work reveals careful attention to geometric organization, employing orthogonal structural frameworks that establish clear spatial order while introducing organic counterpoints through the curved service counter whose flowing form provides visual relief and focal presence within the rectilinear vocabulary. The chromatic strategy proves particularly accomplished, deploying warm earth tones across vertical surfaces to create enveloping psychological warmth while maintaining crisp white expanses that amplify natural light and spatial volume, with charcoal structural elements providing graphic definition that articulates spatial logic without visual heaviness. Timber furnishings contribute significant warmth through natural material presence, their honest grain patterns and golden tonality establishing tactile invitation and organic reference that grounds the space in material authenticity. The lighting design merits particular attention for its layered approach, combining abundant natural daylight from extensive glazing with a constellation of spherical pendant fixtures whose warm glow creates atmospheric intimacy during evening hours, the varied suspension heights generating visual rhythm while ensuring even illumination distribution across the expansive floor area. The mezzanine level introduces spatial complexity and visual interest, its suspended platform creating both physical and visual connection between zones while framing views and establishing human-scaled spatial subdivision within the larger volume. Functionally, the design addresses multiple hospitality programs simultaneously, accommodating dining, casual gathering, reception services, and circulation with clarity and grace, the generous spacing between furniture groupings ensures comfortable navigation while the variety of seating configurations supports diverse social patterns from solitary work to group conversation. Thematically, the space seems to explore contemporary hospitality's shift toward community-oriented environments that function as social gathering places rather than purely transactional service zones, the design inviting extended inhabitation and fostering the casual encounters and lingering presence that characterize vibrant public realms. The integration of biophilic elements through potted plants distributed throughout suggests attentiveness to occupant wellbeing and psychological comfort, these living elements introducing organic irregularity and seasonal change that humanize the architectural framework. One might consider how this environment negotiates the dual imperatives of contemporary hospitality design: providing the operational efficiency and functional clarity that supports smooth service delivery while simultaneously creating atmospheres that feel personally welcoming and emotionally generous, spaces that guests wish to inhabit rather than merely pass through on their way to private accommodations.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Ref Okinawa arena is located in the heart of Okinawa island, renowned for its seaside beauty. However, this inland location offers a vibrant contrast to the coastal areas. Known for its sports venues and nostalgic American nightlife, influenced by the nearby U.S. military base, it represents a rich cultural tapestry. This project aims to highlight an alternative side of Okinawa by focusing on local culture and community spirit, offering a fresh perspective on the island's unique charms.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- The eight-story building, constructed with a reinforced concrete structure, spans a total floor area of approximately 5,929.48 square meters. The hotel features 150 guest rooms, multiple restaurants, two rental meeting spaces, a sauna, a pool, and a rooftop bar.
- Tags
- hotel, japan, okinawa, ref, okinawa arena
- Production Technology
- The exterior facade draws from the 'hana-block,' a traditional Okinawan vent block, with a modern twist. Each frame features two colors: tropical green, symbolizing Okinawa’s lush environment, and brick red, reflecting the region’s clay architecture. This duality creates a dynamic effect that captures Okinawa's vibrant spirit as the colors shift with the viewing angle. Inside the guest rooms, the color schemes vary by floor, adding a playful and distinctive touch to the hotel’s design.
- Design Challenge
- While Okinawa is known for its seaside, this project offers a fresh perspective by highlighting often-overlooked inland charms. Situated away from the beach, the hotel emphasizes local culture, traditions, and community spirit, creating a unique identity distinct from coastal resorts. Additionally, under Park PFI regulations, the ground floor design blends with the surrounding greenery to create a public space that benefits the community.
- Project Duration
- The project began in May 2021, was completed in July 2023, and opened in August 2023 to coincide with the Basketball World Cup at the nearby Okinawa Arena. To celebrate the hometown basketball team, we collaborated with local artists to create two uniquely themed guest rooms inspired by the team's identity.
- Operation Flow
- Designed with the community in mind, the hotel's first two floors are multifunctional spaces connected by a central staircase. These spaces open to a terrace garden, linking to the public park across the street and creating a welcoming lounge for locals. The top floor features a pool and music bar inspired by 'Music Town,' a nearby American-influenced venue. This setup encourages both guests and locals to engage in activities from day to night, fostering a vibrant neighborhood atmosphere.
- Research
- Adjacent to a U.S. military base, the project highlights the strong influence of American culture in Okinawa. During the colonial period, Okinawa adopted American education and lifestyle, creating a unique blend of American and traditional Okinawan cultures. Despite this rich diversity, a venue is needed to effectively share this cultural fusion. We propose a hotel that encapsulates the charm of Okinawa City, showcasing its distinctive cultural identity and celebrating its multifaceted heritage.
- Inspiration
- The concept draws from the Okinawan word 'Champuru,' meaning 'mixed,' symbolizing the fusion of traditional Okinawan, Mainland Japanese, Southeast Asian, and American influences. It celebrates this multicultural charm through local materials and collaborations with local artists and the hometown basketball team. The project illustrates how a commercial venture can integrate with the community, enhancing guest experiences and fostering local pride in an environmentally conscious manner.
- Image Credits
- Image #No1 : Photographer Nacasa & Partners Inc., Ref okinawa arena, 2023
Image #No2 : Photographer Nacasa & Partners Inc., Ref okinawa arena, 2023
Image #No3 : Photographer Nacasa & Partners Inc., Ref okinawa arena, 2023
Image #No4 : Photographer Nacasa & Partners Inc., Ref okinawa arena, 2023
Image #No5 : Photographer Nacasa & Partners Inc., Ref okinawa arena, 2023 - Patents
- copyrights belong to uds ltd. 2024.
Colors of Ref Okinawa Arena Hotel
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We specialize in hospitality, retail, and mixed-use developments that integrate with local communities. From concept to operation, we deliver full-service design solutions combining architectural excellence, business strategy, and sustainable practices.
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