‘A sanctuary of ethereal magnificence’: these are the phrases Japanese architect Kengo Kuma makes use of to explain his new resort undertaking, Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto, which sits within the magical bamboo forests of the Higashiyama Mountains.
With a concord of latest traces, meticulous craftsmanship and a pure materials palette, the brand new resort – the primary Banyan Tree in Japan (becoming a member of seven different institutions in sister manufacturers) – is intimate and self-contained. Its essence is maybe finest mirrored by a signature spotlight on the rear of the property: a up to date reimagining of a conventional Japanese Noh theatre, designed by Kuma to mix into the encircling bamboo forests. ‘In Japan, there’s a custom of searching for retreat in nature, often known as in-sei, which emphasises withdrawing from the bustle of day by day life to search out peace and non secular renewal,’ Kuma tells Wallpaper*.
Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto, Japan, by Kengo Kuma
Exterior of Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto)
‘Higashiyama, with its serene panorama and wealthy historical past, embodies this custom completely. We wished the resort to be a spot the place visitors may commit themselves to non secular fulfilment and reflection,’ the architect provides.
With the resort situated a brief stroll from the celebrated (and at all times busy) Kiyomizu-dera Temple on Kyoto’s mountainous fringes, the transition from a ‘vacationer path’ to an ‘ethereal hillside’ sanctuary begins with a shrine-like wood gate on the threshold.
The backyard at Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto)
The façade then shifts into focus: spanning one wall is a sweeping expanse of natural stones as soon as used within the ryokan inn that previously sat on the identical web site. The outside matte black partitions are additional sharpened by vertical timbers, rafters and eaves crafted from woods together with hinoki cypress, harmonised with the curved traces of conventional kawara roof tiles. ‘Kyoto has a strict panorama ordinance and using tiled roofs is a rule,’ Kuma says. ‘Nevertheless, this restriction has created a fantastic panorama round Kyoto, and we took benefit of the tiled panorama to create stretching, deep eaves and mushy shadows with steady rafters below the eaves.’
Inside, the triple-height reception, designed by DWP Worldwide, has sweeping glass partitions on the rear, framing a minimalist backyard, alongside a sculptural ceiling set up evoking a sea of bamboo plus calligraphic abstractions by washi artist Wataru Hatano on the wall behind the entrance desk. The close by foyer lounge is loosely compartmentalised with a scattering of artworks and a tea space, the place welcome matcha is whisked for visitors.
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto)
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto)
The Yukio Hashimoto-designed visitor rooms – divided into two adjoining buildings – have a light-weight purist magnificence, fusing conventional Japanese aesthetics with a cushty up to date edge. There are swathes of tatami, low-lying window-side platforms with sunken seating and tokonoma alcoves with works by ceramic artist Eiichi Shibuya. Different particulars embody expanses of gold leaf above the mattress, gently dividing sliding screens, plus Japanese-style bathtubs crafted from fragrant hiba wooden – and, in front-facing rooms, breathtaking views throughout metropolis rooftops.
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto)
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto)
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto)
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto)
Company may take pleasure in onsen bathing and a serene spa with high-quality massages; plus advantageous eating at Ryozen restaurant, tapping right into a wealth of seasonal elements, together with Kyoto greens, and a signature dashi broth made utilizing five-year-aged Rishiri kelp from Hokkaido.
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto)
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto)
The restaurant – plus three visitor rooms above – instantly overlooks the Noh stage, as dropped at life by Kuma. A skeletal define of a theatre, crafted in fragrant wooden, mirrors the meticulous structural dimensions that underpin the normal vernacular of the Noh theatre.
But, in a up to date twist, the theatre is constructed with no roof or partitions crammed in. In consequence, its frame-like traces of wooden, minimalist, crafted and clear, appear to dissolve into the greenery of the bamboo forest – leading to a singular sense of spatial lightness and clear magnificence, because it hovers in its pure setting.
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto)
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto)
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto)
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto)
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto)
For Kuma, the creation of a Noh stage creates a ‘groundbreaking connection’ between Japanese ryokan-style inns and up to date resort, as he provides: ‘We hope that the Noh stage will evolve extra as one of many resort’s charms and develop into an emblem of Kyoto’s new tradition, a spot that can be liked for a few years to return, the place visitors will wish to come again time and again.’
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto)
Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto is situated at 7 Seikanji Ryozan-Cho, Higashiyama-Ward, Kyoto Metropolis, 605-0861 Kyoto, Japan, banyantree.com
Supply: Wallpaper
