Sou Fujimoto’s Ishigaki Earth Villa, designed for Not A Hotel, is a remarkable architectural endeavor situated on a sprawling 9,900-square-meter property on Ishigaki Island, Okinawa, Japan. This exclusive villa harmoniously integrates with its natural surroundings, reflecting Fujimoto’s philosophy of blurring the boundaries between architecture and nature.
Architectural Design
The villa’s distinctive circular form is topped with an undulating green roof that seamlessly merges with the landscape. This design allows the structure to blend into the environment, offering panoramic views in all directions. The roof’s shape creates an inner landscape, complete with meadows, relaxation areas, and a reflective water feature that mirrors the sky and a solitary tree, enhancing the sense of tranquility.
Interior Layout and Amenities
Spanning approximately 1,489 square meters, the villa accommodates up to 10 guests with its four independent bedrooms. The open-air living and dining area features an island kitchen overlooking the sea, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor spaces.
Adjacent to this area is a 12-meter infinity pool that appears to merge with the horizon, offering an immersive experience of the surrounding seascape.
Additional amenities include a children’s pool nestled in a tranquil courtyard, a sauna illuminated by natural light, and a fully equipped gym. The villa also boasts a private garden, providing guests with a serene outdoor space to relax and enjoy the island’s natural beauty.
Design Philosophy
Fujimoto’s design dissolves the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces, creating a harmonious flow that allows guests to engage deeply with the natural environment. The villa’s architecture encourages a lifestyle that is both luxurious and intimately connected to the island’s pristine landscape.
Ishigaki Earth Villa exemplifies a harmonious blend of innovative design and natural integration, offering a unique retreat that resonates with Fujimoto’s vision of architecture as a seamless extension of nature.
