HOTEL VMG RESORT KYOTO RYOUI

SUMMARY
Full renovation of a 100-year-old wooden ryokan. In parallel with the interior and exterior design, the project proposed a concept for the entire hotel based on the special site conditions facing the Kamo River and the Takase River in Kyoto and the history of these two rivers.

Artworks made by Kyoto based Artists are placed along these two rivers, which tells the story of the river's history. After passing through a deep alleyway typical of Kyoto, visitors arrive at the newly renovated reception area. On the counter top shines an artwork created by Usagi-No-Nedoko, which is made of 'Kamo seven stones' gathered from the upper reaches of the Kamo River and encapsulated in resin. In the 'black' corridor leading to the guest rooms, a photographic work by Elena Tutatchikova captures the Kamo River. And further along the corridor, you reach the real Kamo River. From May to September each year, visitors can experience the Kyoto-Kamogawa-Nouryouyuka, a traditional Kyoto experience. Only during that period we can have lunch or dinner right next to the river.

In contrast to the black-based corridors, the rooms have a bright surface. The whiteness of the handmade washi paper reflects the natural light and reflects off the folded-up coffered ceilings. The rooms are decorated with old and new crafts from Kyoto, including 'Tetsuji Shu Roiro' by Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi inc., which is made of iron coated with Urushi, 'Overlapping Hitta' a kata-yuzen work by keikoroll, which symbolises the Kamo River's Yuzen Nagashi, and '~PandemicVase
' by NEW CRAFT HOUSE, a 3D printed work resembling the surface of shimmering water. These works were produced based on the our grand design concept.

SERVICES
Interior and exterior design/construction supervision/furniture and fixture design/art direction

DATA 
Completion: 2023
Type of business: Hotel
Location:166 Izumiya-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, Japan
Planned area: 516 m2
Structural design: Yoshiki Mondo Structural Design Office
Construction companies: Minobe Corporation, Kikusui
Photo: Takumi Ota

This project is in charge of wasab! co.,ltd..