NOT A HOTEL announces its latest iteration for the Japanese island of Yakushima, this time with architecture by Jean Nouvel. The lush, rain-soaked location for this upcoming boutique hotel is a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its ancient cedar forests and shifting coastal weather. Commissioned by the hospitality brand NOT A HOTEL, the project will hide within a landscape defined by moss-covered rocks and misty green canopies.

Jean Nouvel’s design draws directly from the island’s topography, embedding the building within the natural contours of the terrain. Walls of locally-sourced stone and broad panes of glass form a low, grounded structure that can be gradually discovered as the forest unfolds. Thus, the architecture reflects the island’s elements, welcoming the rain and shadow as a part of its atmosphere.

images © NOT A HOTEL, Ateliers Jean Nouvel

not a hotel lands on yakushima island

Ateliers Jean Nouvel approaches the design of NOT A HOTEL YAKUSHIMA as a celebration of absence. ‘The most sophisticated things belong to nature — its landscapes, its paths, its reliefs, the views that will be revealed; everything else is absence,’ the architect explains, describing his approach. His words emphasize the project’s restraint. The built space becomes a quiet frame for Yakushima’s scenery, rather than an object within it.

Inside the hotel, spaces open broadly onto the forest and sea, creating an atmosphere that is at once contemplative and immediate. Subtle transitions between indoor and outdoor areas invite guests to move freely with the rhythms of weather and daylight. The stone surfaces collect rainwater and reflect shifting skies, while glass expanses channel sounds of wind and water.

the retreat stands on the lush UNESCO World Heritage island of Yakushima

a continuation of the island cliffs

‘At its base lies the stone — a permanent presence, shaped by time, rain, and wind, carrying the patina of years,’ Jean Nouvel adds, describing the influence of Yakushima’s landscape on his design for NOT A HOTEL. Rocks and stone blocks are arranged as if they have always been part of the island, their textures blending with the surrounding forest floor and nearby cliffside. This tactile connection to the site lends a design that values permanence and encourages quiet observation among the trees.

The interplay of light and shadow reinforces the sense of continuity with the landscape. Openings frame views of the sea and distant peaks, while the interiors are softened by the shifting glow of Yakushima’s ever-changing weather. The design team seeks to inspire a slow engagement with the environment and highlights the delicate balance between built form and otherwise untouched landscape.

stone and glass walls follow the natural contours of the terrain

As part of NOT A HOTEL’s larger group of retreats across Japan, the project is a flexible model of ownership and hospitality. Members can purchase a residence and share it as a hotel stay when unoccupied, with the brand managing maintenance and operations. Sales for NOT A HOTEL YAKUSHIMA are set to begin in summer 2026.

stone surfaces and glass expanses capture shifting light and sound

Nouvel describes nature as the most sophisticated presence

project info:

name: NOT A HOTEL YAKUSHIMA

architect: Ateliers Jean Nouvel | @ateliersjeannouvel

location: Yakushima, Japan

client: NOT A HOTEL | @notahotel_official

visualizations: courtesy NOT A HOTEL, Ateliers Jean Nouvel

The post NOT A HOTEL unveils yakushima island location with architecture by jean nouvel appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Hidden behind the bustling streets of Paris, the Hôtel de Pourtalès is a former private mansion that has been transformed into a secluded luxury apartment hotel. Once a private townhouse built by architect Félix Duban for Swiss-born banker and art collector Count James-Alexandre de Pourtalès in 1839, this neoclassical building has been reimagined as a luxury destination for those who value privacy and design. Since 2002, the building has been listed as an official historical monument with every contemporary intervention carefully balanced to preserve its aristocratic soul. For designboom, a stay during Paris Design Week offered an intimate perspective on this unique transformation, showcasing a new vision on hospitality.

all images courtesy of ​​Hôtel de Pourtalès

THE PERFECT DESTINATION FOR A LUXURY STAY IN PARIS

With its discreet charm, tasteful décor, and prime location near the Champs-Élysées, a stay at the Hôtel de Pourtalès serves as a key anchor for an on-the-ground exploration of Parisian design culture. The hotel‘s historical inspiration draws on a Renaissance Revival style, making it a perfect example of the fusion of heritage and modernity celebrated during Paris Design Week. Founded on the idea of privacy, the Parisian establishment offers a new experience — more confidential than a guest house or luxury hotel.

founded on the idea of privacy, the hotel presents a new vision on hospitality

NINE PRIVATE SUITES AT HÔTEL DE POURTALÈS

The hotel’s design is a masterclass in creative tension, a subtle combination of its classical roots with a contemporary and avant-garde vision. The renovation, led by Studio Labaye Sumi, preserved the DNA of the building — from its intricate cornices to its vaulted arches — while introducing contemporary additions. This creates an aesthetic coherence between the two contrasting expressions, transforming the space into a dynamic experience where historical grandeur and modern comfort coexist. 

The design team’s aim was simple yet profound: to create the impression of a home. Each of the nine private suites is designed as an exceptional living space, far more intimate and confidential than a guest house or luxury hotel. They redefine hospitality as a highly personalized, residential experience. Iconic pieces by Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier, and Gerrit Rietveld are thoughtfully positioned with creations from a new generation of French designers, such as Garnier & Linker. The studio also designed a custom line of furniture, with marble and metal pieces created in collaboration with renowned specialists.

the former private mansion that has been transformed into a luxury apartment hotel

Guests find themselves in apartments complete with private kitchens, spacious lounges, and dining rooms, with some even boasting a planted terrace or a rooftop with an enviable view of the capital. With suites ranging in size from 95 to 367m² spread across seven floors, the hotel offers an incredible diversity of volumes, all with its own specific decor, furniture, fabrics, and color palette. The Hôtel de Pourtalès also reveals a profound passion for contemporary art, turning the residence into a curated, private gallery. This artistic vision, combined with the refined service and discreet charm, ensures a stay that creates a timeless and intimate home-away-from-home experience.

the hotel combines its classical roots with a contemporary vision

the suites range in size from 95 to 367m²

the apartments are completed with private kitchens, spacious lounges, and dining rooms

spread across seven floors, the hotel offers an incredible diversity of volumes

the goal was to create the impression of a home

at Hôtel de Pourtalès historical grandeur and modern comfort coexist

each of the nine private suites is far more intimate than a guest house or luxury hotel

each apartment owns specific decor, furniture, fabrics, and color palette

some suites even boasts a planted terrace or a rooftop with an enviable view of the capital

Hôtel de Pourtalès redefines hospitality as a highly personalized, residential experience

since 2002, the building has been listed as an official historical monument

project info:

name: Hôtel de Pourtalès | @hoteldepourtales

location: Paris, France

design team: Studio Labaye Sumi | @labayesumistudio

The post hôtel de pourtalès turns renaissance townhouse into private luxury suites in paris appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Located in Iga, Japan, the Hakusen Hotel offered designboom a first-hand look at the former Ueno City Hall, embodying a striking example of architectural revitalization. Completed in 1964, this modernist masterpiece was the work of Junzo Sakakura, a pioneering figure in post-war Japanese architecture and a direct protégé of Le Corbusier. What was once a public building has been reinvented as a stayable cultural complex, merging a 19-room boutique hotel with an upcoming public library to create a unique destination where architectural heritage, contemporary design, and intellectual discovery converge.

all images courtesy of designboom unless stated otherwise

PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP SAVES CITY HALL FROM DEMOLITION

While many old Japanese buildings are repurposed for tourism, the Ueno City Hall was saved from demolition by a citizens’ preservation movement and transformed into the Hakusen Hotel through a public-private partnership. This approach, driven by Funatani Holdings, was sparked by the former mayor’s vision to make the building a landmark for Iga, establishing a new cultural hub that could serve as a creative catalyst for the rural region. The hotel‘s concept of ‘floating on a sea of words’ embodies this ambition, offering a stay that is both a physical rest and an intellectual journey, fostering a deeper connection to the local culture beyond its well-known ninja heritage.

the public library is scheduled to open within the same facility in spring 2026 | image © Hakusen

HOTEL HAKUSEN INTEGRATES PUBLIC LIBRARY

The revitalization design by MARU。architecture pays deep homage to Sakakura’s original vision while weaving in modern comfort. Their approach centers on a continuously transitioning flow from outdoor to progressively calmer indoor spaces, maintaining low sightlines to encourage a settled, contemplative mood. The existing concrete walls and preserved wooden formwork are combined with ash wood and plaster to reveal a delicate texture. This pattern gently unites the atmosphere throughout the building.

reception area with wooden formwork on the existing concrete walls | image © Hakusen

For designboom’s stay, the Hakusen Hotel provided a suite room, styled by NOTA&design. The interiors resonate with a wabi-sabi-inspired simplicity, finished with warm materials and a serene atmosphere. Furniture by Tendo Mokko, originally designed by Sakakura Junzo Architects & Engineers, harmonizes with the minimalist spaces to create intimate guest rooms.

Each room is further enriched by the carefully curated art, chosen to bring a tactile feel and emotional depth to Sakakura’s sharp lines and concrete textures. Ceramic works by local artist Taro Tsubota and abstract paintings by Rena Fujimoto adorn each room, while a unique mosaic mural by ceramist Masaomi Yasunaga greets visitors, transforming the hotel into a living gallery where art and architecture engage in quiet conversation.

Iga’s former city hall transformed into a designer boutique hotel with 19 rooms

Even the logo and signage, conceived by UMA/design farm, contribute to this immersive narrative. The Hakusen logo itself is an abstract and poetic distillation of Sakakura’s architecture, evoking images of a boat, moonlight, or a reader lost in thought. Adopting navy blue — a color restored from the building’s original second floor — the logo and signage ensure that every visual element respects and enhances the architectural memory. Documentary photographs of the old city hall, taken by Yuma Harada before the renovation, are also exhibited, silently weaving the building’s past journey into the guest experience. This encapsulates how a stay at Hakusen is a profound journey through time, culture, and design.

the suite room, styled by NOTA&design

all rooms resonate with a wabi-sabi inspired simplicity

furniture from Tendo Mokko, designed by Sakakura Junzo Architects & Engineers | image © Hakusen

the rooms are finished with a warm material feel and a serene atmosphere

project info:

name: Hakusen Hotel | @hakusen_iga

architect: Junzo Sakakura

location: Iga, Japan

revitalization: MARU。architecture
styling: NOTA&design 

furniture: Tendo Mokko (designed by Sakakura Junzo Architectural Institute)

art: Masaomi Yasunaga, Taro Tsubota, Reina Fujimoto

logo & Signage: UMA/design farm | @umadesignfarm

website: SHEEP DESIGN Inc.

photography: Hiroaki Tanaoka

The post hakusen revitalizes modernist city hall into boutique hotel and public library in japan appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Ho Khue Architects’ Saha Casa Boutique in Da Nang, Vietnam, proposes flowing, organic forms that reimagine the city’s coastal hotel typology. The five-story building, with a basement and rooftop pool, sits along Morrison Street and distinguishes itself from the surrounding glass-faced high-rise hotels with its bold yellow stone tone, naturalistic curves, and textured materials.

Atop the building, the cantilevered swimming pool stretches six meters beyond the edge, making a bold statement. Its glass front, crafted from specialized acrylic panels, provides sweeping panoramic views and creates a feeling of weightlessness, connecting the design with the coastal surroundings. Throughout Saha Casa, the architects focus on shaping a multisensory experience through the cool touch of stone underfoot, the fragrance of plants carried on the breeze, and the gentle sound of water.

all images by Trieu Chien

stone, arches, and vertical gardens shape Saha Casa Boutique

The Vietnamese team at Ho Khue Architects draws on natural imagery, particularly caves, to shape the shell of Saha Casa Boutique. Its flexible plan alternates between open and closed spaces, where soft arched doorways and windows frame corridors, gardens, and rooms. This contrast between solidity and void is accentuated by the use of granite terrazzo, a traditional, environmentally friendly material whose rough texture modulates sunlight and wind.

A central atrium, suffused with natural light and dotted with a fish pond and decorative plantings, anchors the ground floor of Saha Casa Boutique. From here, hallways branch out like arms, leading visitors through spaces layered with greenery and soft curves. Emerald carpets and vertical gardens guide the eye between floors, creating a sense of nature and inviting guests to explore as they move through the building.

Architect Ho Khue reflects on the project’s ethos, noting that the aim was to create a building that ‘evokes a sense of architectural art’ while remaining a comfortable retreat for guests. 

Ho Khue Architects’ Saha Casa Boutique sits along Morrison Street in Da Nang, Vietnam

flowing, organic forms reimagine the city’s coastal hotel typology

a rooftop pool tops the five-story building

the structure distinguishes itself from the surrounding glass-faced high-rise hotels

bold yellow stone tone, naturalistic curves, and textured materials shape the project

the cantilevered swimming pool stretches six meters beyond the edge

the architects focus on shaping a multisensory experience

its glass front is crafted from specialized acrylic panels

the fragrance of plants carried on the breeze adds to the experience

the aim was to create a building that ‘evokes a sense of architectural art’

creating a sense of nature and inviting guests to explore as they move through the building

Ho Khue Architects draws on natural imagery

caves inspire the shape of Saha Casa Boutique

project info:

name: Saha Casa Boutique

architect: Ho Khue Architects | @hokhue_architects

location: Da Nang, Vietnam

area: 321 square meters

interior design: FHD

partners: LTH, Tin An, Ngoc Long Viet, Tam Trung Tin

photographer: Trieu Chien | @trieuchien 

The post rooftop pool cantilevers from the facade of ho khue architects’ hotel in vietnam appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Entre Pircas Suites by Alarciaferrer Arquitectos add a contemporary architectural layer to a historic hotel in Córdoba, Argentina. The site, formerly the summer residence of Argentine president J.A. Roca, is a rich historical landscape with 19th-century buildings, a park designed by Carlos Thays, and a majestic artificial lake. The suites draw inspiration from the region’s characteristic ‘pircas’ — rural stone walls used to enclose land — creating a design deeply rooted in its time and place.

Alarciaferrer Arquitectos creates hotel suites defined by rural stone walls | all images © Milagros Sanchez Azcona

rural traditions inform contemporary hotel expansion

The design for the suites is defined by a series of seven wide, parallel stone walls, spaced five meters apart, that support an inclined wooden roof. To achieve this, the architects used a simple yet powerful geometric structure that adapts to the natural topography and existing trees of the site, ensuring that the suites are carefully positioned within the landscape. The use of stone and wood in the construction directly references the traditional rural buildings of the region, creating a strong sense of material and cultural continuity.

the project adds a contemporary layer to a rich historical site, once a former presidential residence

Alarciaferrer Arquitectos create light-filled interiors

Each suite is designed with a thoughtful layout that maximizes space and natural light. The interior of each room is composed of a front entrance gallery, a bedroom, a light and ventilation patio, and a wet core with a bathroom and shower. The central patio is a key element, providing not only essential cross-ventilation and natural lighting but also serving as a spatial separator between the living area and the bathroom. Inside, the dividing stone walls are utilized to house storage and facilities, further optimizing the compact design.

the use of natural stone and wood references the traditional rural constructions of the region

each suite is composed of a front entrance gallery, a bedroom, a central patio, and a wet core

a light-filled gallery connects the suite to its surroundings and serves as a front entrance

the interior’s dividing stone walls are utilized to house storage and facilities, optimizing space

the suites are defined by a series of seven wide, parallel stone walls

the design draws from the region’s characteristic pircas — traditional stone walls used to enclose land in rural areas

the new suites are positioned within a park that overlooks a majestic artificial lake

the thoughtful layout maximizes space and creates a strong connection to the surrounding landscape

the structures adapt to the natural topography and existing trees of the site in Córdoba, Argentina

the use of stone and wood in the construction directly references the traditional rural buildings of the region

project info:

name: Entre Pircas Suites
architecture: Alarciaferrer Arquitectos | @alarciaferrer_arquitectos

location: Córdoba, Argentina

lead architects: Joaquin Alarcia, Federico Ferrer Deheza 

construction: BONNART desarrollista, Federico Monjo

photography: © Milagros Sanchez Azcona

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lisa kostyra | designboom

The post alarciaferrer arquitectos turn former argentine presidential residence into hotel suites appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

The tranquil town of Brunate, known as the Balcony of the Alps, offers a panoramic view of Italy’s majestic Lake Como. It was this vista that inspired Zoltan Varro in his redesign of the historic Grand Hotel Milano in the town. The interior designer found his muse in the morning mist that often blankets the lake – a sight that evoked a childhood tale of the gods of Mount Olympus looking down from the clouds. This moment transformed a hotel destination steeped in tradition into something mythical, a vision now realized in the newly opened Nuvole Garden Hotel in Brunate, Italy.

the Sole Luxury Rooms are facing the lake with door to ceiling windows allowing for full exposure to the sky, mountains, and water below.

design celebrates heritage with magical twist

Zoltan Varro’s work was to restore the beloved art nouveau treasure, which had fallen into disrepair, with a grand plan to create a five-star destination. He ingeniously wove motifs from his misty lake inspiration into the hotel’s distinct spaces. The fine-dining Sole Gourmet Restaurant on the top floor pays homage to the sun, with ceilings that can open to the sky and a central screen that lights up in the evenings, radiating warmth through its subdued golden flourishes. Conversely, the ground-floor BLU restaurant plunges guests into the depths of Lake Como itself. Here, blue and teal hues, a custom carpet mimicking the seafloor, and bubble-style lighting create the feeling of dining underwater with mermaids and fish.

in the Sole Gourmet Restaurant, Zoltan Varro wanted to worship the sun, which is best achieved during the warmer months where the ceilings can be opened up to bask in the sunlight

The hotel’s restoration also celebrates its rich Belle Époque heritage. The adjacent Bar Negroni, with its wood-paneled ceiling and ornate wall sconces, evokes the grandeur of an Edwardian-era ocean liner. Outside, Varro celebrates the la dolce vita lifestyle with a fantastical twist. The courtyard, overlooking the lake, is reimagined as an elegant dining room exposed to the elements – complete with a grand chandelier, fireplace, and handmade mosaic floor. The common interior spaces of the lobby and reception resemble an indoor garden, with floral and hedge-like textures and peacock-patterned chairs, as if nature has crept inside and taken hold.

guests can dine in a scene seemingly right out of the Mad Hatter’s tea party, as the courtyard functions as a grand dining hall exposed to the elements

Varro’s custom design extends to the 80 guest rooms, each telling a part of the story. Rooms facing the lake share the ‘Sole’ theme, with floor-to-ceiling windows, golden accents, and a custom Como-focused print on the curtains and headboards, giving guests the feeling of floating among the clouds. The ‘Cabana’ rooms and suites, inspired by Italian poolside cabanas, offer a cozier feel with flowing curtains and a warm, glowing ambiance. From worshiping sun deities to dining with mermaids, every aspect of the Nuvole Garden Hotel originates from Varro’s vision of the magical Lake Como mists, creating a hotel that celebrates its traditional grandeur with a fantastical, extraordinary aesthetic.

golden touches and warming colors blend into the rooms, while a custom Como-focused print dresses the curtains, the beds’ headboards, and other furnishings.

in the Grand Salon unique floral or hedge-like textures cover the walls and furniture, while bold peacock-patterned chairs wear their Como Gardens reference with pride.

the reception of the enchanted Nuvole Garden hotel

the lobby resembles indoor gardens with touches of Sleeping Beauty, where nature has creeped inside and taken hold of the space

the courtyard overlooking the lake resembles an elegant dining room, with its own chandelier, fireplace, and a handmade mosaic floor fit for the grand villas of the region

at BLU Restaurant, bubble-inspired lights shimmer like air rising from the lakebed, enhancing the underwater illusion with a playful yet refined glow that mirrors the depths of Lake Como

at the center of Sole Gourmet Restaurant, a grand screen is emboldened with the Sole motif, lighting up in the evenings to draw all attention to this altar of the sun

the custom design extends to the 80 guest rooms, each telling a part of the story

contemporary wooden design of the Spa

the Spa’s sophisticated wooden aesthetic

project info:

name: Nuvole Garden
interior designer: Zoltan Varro / @varrodesign
landscape and garden design: Zoltan Varro Architect / original: Achille Manfredini (1911)

architecture (restoration): Domenico Garritano, Studio Ingegneria

developer: Italiana Hotels & Resorts

project completion: 2025

project size: 6000 m2

photos: Gyorgy Darabos

location: Brunate, Lake Como, Italy

rooms: 80 guest rooms / suites

dining: Sole Gourmet Restaurant, BLU Restaurant, Bar Negroni

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

The post lake como’s magical mists inspire zoltan varro’s fantastical hotel redesign appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

The Rock, or Cloud Center, by Wutopia Lab, is located at the highest point of the Ancient Spring Town in Zunhua, Tangshan, China. Commissioned by Financial Street (Zunhua) Real Estate Development Co., Ltd., the project includes architecture, interiors, and conceptual landscape design developed by the Shanghai-based practice. Positioned 20 meters above the main hotel entrance, the building serves as a visual marker, a landmark for the area. The Rock houses hospitality amenities, including a swimming pool, gym, and outdoor hot spring pools, and supplies hot spring water to nearby villas. The site’s northern edge, a natural cliff, offers unobstructed views of the Great Wall. This topography informed the decision to create a form inspired by the ‘flying rock’ found in traditional Chinese landscape references. The building projects outward from the cliff, its mass shaped to suggest lightness despite its volume.

all images by Daily Architectural Photography | LIU Guowei

Wutopia Lab reinterprets ‘flying rock’ in Chinese landscapes

For the internal arrangement, the architects at Wutopia Lab follow a ‘caving’ logic, with spaces carved from the form to create a central pool hall and other amenities. A 26-square-meter skylight above the pool introduces daylight, producing shifting light reflections across the interior surfaces. Circulation within the building includes a spiraling rooftop ramp, which extends the architectural form while framing views of the surrounding landscape. The Rock is clad in curved metal panels, shaped into a pebble-like form while reducing the complexity and cost of fabrication. Horizontal lines dominate the facade texture, and angular edges created by two-dimensional panel assembly were incorporated into the overall design language.

The building’s outer shell is an independent cladding system that surrounds a waterproof, insulated core. This separation allowed the ramp to be integrated without impacting interior layouts. Service areas, which occupy over half the building’s total area, are embedded into the mountain to maintain the visual balance between structure and cliff. Given the site’s Grade-8 seismic rating, even small cantilevers presented engineering challenges. Structural reinforcement was integrated into the curtain wall framework to maintain the intended form.

Rock by Wutopia Lab floats above the ancient town

Interiors follow ‘caving’ logic, with continuous curved surfaces

The pool hall’s interior features a continuous soft grey-white surface finish, with curved transitions between walls and ceiling. The neutral palette emphasizes the changing qualities of light and the reflections from the pool. Northern curtain walls and the skylight provide natural illumination, while artificial lighting transforms the space at night. The gym on the upper level overlooks the pool and frames views of the surrounding terrain. Outdoor hot spring pools are screened by vegetation for privacy but maintain long views to the Great Wall.

The elliptical layout of the pool hall required precise coordination of MEP systems. Dehumidification, HVAC, and curtain wall structure were resolved using BIM to address the complex geometry. Waterproofing design was developed through large-scale sectional detailing and on-site coordination during construction. The Rock, or Cloud Center, by Wutopia Lab, combines its functional program with a distinct formal presence in the landscape, integrating structural, material, and technical strategies to respond to its topography and context.

curved metal panels clad the exterior

horizontal lines ripple across the facade

the structure is embedded into the mountain

a swimming pool in a sculpted cavern

daylight drips across every curve

spaces seem carved from solid form

a pool carved from the heart of the rock

curved openings pierce the solid white frame

swimming within a quiet carved pebble

reflections change with every cloud

morning light melts into the water’s surface

grey-white walls embracing liquid blue

beneath the skylight, water mirrors the sky

daylight dances across soft grey-white surfaces

soft light meets still water

the pool hall beneath a 26-square-meter skylight

a curtain glass window stretches along the pool

large openings allow for views towards the natural surroundings

inspired by the ‘flying rock’ of Chinese landscapes

a landmark carved from the cliff’s edge

views stretching to the Great Wall of China

pebble-shaped shell in shimmering metal

project info:

name: Cloud Center, Financial Street Ancient Spring Town
designer: Wutopia Lab

architect: Wutopia Lab | @wutopia.lab

location: Zunhua, Hebei, China

area: 1,690 sqm

lead architect: YU Ting

project architect: Liran SUN

design team: PAN Dali, KUANG Zhou, MU Zhilin, XIONG Jiaxing, ZENG Rui (Intern), ZHANG Naiyue (Intern)

acknowledgment: CHEN Xi

architectural construction drawings: China IPPR International Engineering Co., Ltd.

construction drawing team: WANG Chunyu, LI Shijie, LIU Yao, WANG Yu, WANG Jianning, PAN Xuezhong, WANG Yi, ZHANG Song

interior construction drawings consultant: Shanghai Sunyat Architecture Design Co., Ltd.

landscape design: Ecoland

client: Financial Street (Zunhua) Real Estate Development Co., Ltd.

client management team: WANG Ying (Design Director), GUAN Xueqiang (Project Manager)

general contractor: China State Construction Urban Development Co., Ltd.

structural consultant: AND

structural team: ZHANG Zhun, CAI Yanming

geometry optimization: Sur-Mesure Engineering Studio

lighting consultant: Chloe ZHANG, WEI Shiyu

design advisor: WEI Minfei

photographer: Daily Architectural Photography | LIU Guowei 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

The post wutopia lab carves soft white caving interiors for pebble-shaped mountain hotel in china appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

In Bangkok’s Siam Square, ASWA (Architectural Studio of Work – Aholic) inserts the Vela be Siam hotel that reflects and refracts the layered character of the neighborhood. The structure takes cues from traditional Thai domestic architecture and reinvents them through a vibrant material and vocabulary. On its stainless steel facade, shimmering chain links reinterpret the Pun-Lom, a carved wooden gable board found on Thai homes, and nod to mosquito netting once common over beds.

all images by Soopakorn Srisakul

bold colors saturate the spaces inside Vela be Siam

The double-height lobby of Vela be Siam is anchored by an orange, pebble-like reception desk set against a vivid green backdrop, setting an animated tone from the outset. Here, the Bangkok-based team of ASWA constructs not a stage for social interaction. The chromatic intensity continues throughout the communal zones, most notably in the yellow-and-black second-floor common area, visible from the lobby above, a flexible space intended for working, dining, or lounging. A pool bar at the rear of the building, nestled in lush greenery and soft water features, offers a rare moment of retreat within the city.

Each lift hall adopts a different bold color, helping guests navigate the vertical stack of floors while enhancing the playful experience of moving through the building. This vibrant approach is echoed on the railings that line the circulation spaces, extending the color coding across levels. As guests move toward their rooms, however, the tones begin to soften, with muted palettes promoting a sense of calm without entirely shedding their lighthearted character — colorful bathroom tiles, for example, maintain a touch of surprise.

a facade that reinterprets traditional Thai architectural elements

stainless steel chain links cover the exterior of the hotel

guests are welcomed by a vibrant interior lobby

an orange, pebble-like reception desk centers the lobby

a relaxing pool bar offers a serene setting for every guest to rest

the playful lift hall on the second floor displays a playful design

a yellow and black common area on the second floor includes spaces for working, dining, and playing

the colors also continue on the railing all along every floor

different colors give each level its unique character

the guest room provides a harmonious blend of energy and tranquility

the chain links reinterpret the mosquito nets that Thai people used to cover their beds while sleeping

the vivid hue of the hotel’s common area lights up the surroundings

project info:

name: Vela be Siam hotel
architect: ASWA (Architectural Studio of Work – Aholic)

location: Bangkok, Thailand

area: 2,500 square meters

interior design: ASWA (Architectural Studio of Work – Aholic) 

photographer: Soopakorn Srisakul | @soopakornsrisakul

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom

The post shimmering chain-link facade at ASWA’s bangkok hotel draws from traditional thai houses appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

The internationally acclaimed A’ Design Award and Competition opens the first round of submissions for its 2026 competition, calling creatives from across the globe to present their best work. With a deadline on September 30, 2025, and winners revealed on May 1, 2026, the platform offers an exceptional chance for designers to gain worldwide exposure.

For those in need of inspiration — or a summer getaway — the Hospitality, Recreation, Travel and Tourism category showcases past winners that double as dream destinations: think cliffside saunas, lush boutique hotels, serene resorts, off-grid cabins and restaurants made for more than just dining. While the spotlight here falls on one category, A’ Design Award celebrates creativity across every field. Whether you design spaces, products, visuals or experiences, this is your cue to take part and submit your work here.

banner and above: Xichang Joyhub Air Hotel by Liam Zhuang and Edward Li
image credit: Liam Zhuang and Edward Li

name: Xichang Joyhub Air

architects: Liam Zhuang, Edward Li, Ivy Zhu, Lynne Zhang, Polina Chen, Jelena Hus, Muyi, Moye Hu, Panda

award: Platinum

year: 2025

DESIGNS THAT WOW: CATEGORIES FOR EVERY CREATOR

The Hospitality, Recreation, Travel and Tourism category delights and surprises with entries that elevate how we explore the world. From conceptual architecture to curated guest experiences and sustainable tourism initiatives, winning designs have redefined luxury and comfort through creativity.

Beyond this category, the competition offers recognition across a wide array of fields, including the Good Architecture Design Award, Good Product Design Award, Good Communication Design Award, Good Fashion Design Award, and Good Industrial Design Award. Wherever your work fits, there’s a place for it – discover all available categories here.

Awakening Immersive Experience by Nathalia Cristina de Souza Vilela Telis
image credit: Nathalia Cristina de Souza Vilela Telis

name: Awakening

designers: Nathalia Cristina de Souza Vilela Telis

award: Silver

year: 2025

GLOBAL GETAWAYS SCHOWCASED THROUGH A’ DESIGN AWARD’S BENEFITS

Winning the A’ Design Award opens the door to unparalleled exposure and career-defining opportunities. From international exhibitions and top-tier media coverage, to an exclusive yearbook feature and gala invitations, winners enjoy far more than a moment in the spotlight. Every submission is carefully reviewed by the Grand Jury Panel of over 300 esteemed professionals, academics, and industry leaders, ensuring fair evaluation and rewarding projects that push boundaries in design and beyond.

Let your project become the next destination on the world’s design map and submit to the 2026 A’ Design Award and Competition here.

Deer Chaser Yuchi by Chi Wei Shih
image credit: S.C.A.A

name: Deer Chaser Yuchi

designer: Chi Wei Shih

award: Platinum

year: 2025

The Game Tourist Center by Jimmy Yung
image credit: Ethan Lee

name: The Game

designer: Jimmy Yung

award: Silver

year: 2019

Bo Du Resort Hotel Design Commercial by Zhang Can – CSD Design Office
image credit: Wang Ting

name: Bo Du Resort Hotel Design

designers: Zhang Can and Wan Xia

award: Platinum

year: 2019

Hill Wind Hotel and Resort by Huafang Wang image credit: Huafang Wang

name: Hill Wind

designers: Huafang Wang, Weizhong Yue and Shuai Huang

award: Platinum

year: 2020

Drop Sauna and Drop Lodge Sauna and Small Cottage by Drop
image credit: Jutta Tanninen

name: Drop Sauna and Drop Lodge

designer: Sirena Kiviranta

award: Bronze

year: 2024

Maitreya Dharma Hall on Abandoned Mine by Guanghai Cui image credit: Guanghai Cui

name: Maitreya Dharma

designer: Guanghai Cui

award: Platinum

year: 2023

Mountain Cabin Architectural Design by Lino Liao
image credit: Lino Liao

name: Mountain Cabin

designer: Lino Liao

award: Bronze

year: 2023

Yaoyao Restaurant by Yan Junjie
image credit: Zhe Zeng

name: Yaoyao

designers: Junjie Yan, Yuxing Yi, Yinghua Wen, Liting Yang, Wanhuan Chen,, Yixuan Zhang, Benkun Pei, and Junwen Lu

award: Silver

year: 2021

Grotto Sauna Freestanding Residential Sauna by PARTISANS
image credit: Jonathan Friedman

name: Grotto Sauna

designers: Alexander Josephson, Pooya Baktash, Jonathan Friedman, Ivan Vasyliv, and Betty Vuong

award: Platinum

year: 2015

Omakase Restaurant by Tianwen Sun
image credit: Tianwen Sun

name: Omakase

designers: Sun Tianwen, Cao Xindi and Liu Dong

award: Gold 

year: 2020

Fuzhou Marriott Riverside Hotel by Bo Liu and Hank Xia
image credit: PLD/ PAUL LIU DESIGN CONSULTANTS

name: Fuzhou Marriott Riverside

designers: BO LIU and HANK XIA

award: Gold

year: 2021

River Palace Club House by Kris Lin image credit: KLID

name: River Palace

designer: Shenghan Lu

award: Gold

year: 2022

Sky Lounge Restaurant and Bar by Ketan Jawdekar
image credit: Sameer Chawda

name: Sky Lounge

designer: Ketan Jawdekar, Rajvardhan Kamire and Atreyi Sawant

award: Silver

year: 2022

Luoyue Resort Hotel by Gao Hui
image credit: Liu Cheng

name: Luoyue

designer: Gao Hui

award: Silver

year: 2022

Maison Francois Restaurant by John Whelan – GSL
image credit: Oskar Proctor

name: Maison Francois

designers: John Whelan for The Guild of Saint Luke

award: Silver

year: 2021

Fogo Island Shed Hotel Dining Room by Todd Saunders image credit: Bent René Synnevåg

name: Fogo Island Shed

designers: Todd Saunders , Attila Béres, Kingman Brewster, Dihua Wei and Rodney Osmond

award: Gold

year: 2019

Virtual Growth Interface Design by Sinong Ding, Xiaoyi Zeng and Wei Liu
image credit: Xiaoyi Zeng

name: Wolo

designers: Sinong Ding, Xiaoyi Zeng and Wei Liu

award: Iron

year: 2020

Youhe Community Hospitality Design by Zhifeng Zhao
image credit: DENG Chun

name: Youhe Community

designer: Zhifeng Zhao

award: Silver

year: 2025

The post 20 summer escapes inspire entries to A’ design award and competition – or your next trip appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Located in the village of Oia on the island of Santorini, Greece, Canaves Hotel, designed by Kapsimalis Architects, occupies a site overlooking the Caldera, with direct views toward the volcano and the Aegean Sea. The project combines a preserved traditional cave house with a newly constructed complex of five hotel rooms. The architectural intervention proposes a contemporary strategy of integrating hospitality functions within the morphological and spatial framework of the village.

The entrance to the hotel rooms takes place from its west and north side, via the public pedestrian street and through the two main exterior staircases of the complex. Taking into account the shape of the plot, the slope of its natural terrain, its relation with the pedestrian street, and the neighboring properties, as well as the optimal orientation towards the view, the individual rooms of the hotel complex were placed in a stepped manner and in a rhythmic backsliding and twist from each other. Specifically, the complex consists of four rooms on four different levels in the ground floor, and one room on two different levels on the upper floor. Each room of the ground floor comprises an open plan living space and bedroom area with its bathroom, as well as a private exterior yard with its lounge area and its plunge pool. The upper floor’s room comprises a living room and a bedroom with its bathroom, as well as two private exterior verandas with lounge areas and one semi-open plunge pool space.

all images by Yiorgos Kordakis

Material Precision and Spatial Balance Define Hotel’s Interiors

Kapsimalis Architects Studio’s design aims to create a composition of rooms-cubist prisms, with reference to the scale and form of the existing white cubist architecture of the traditional village, and on the specific typology needs of the hospitality use. In the context of accomplishing the desired view and microclimate, the openings of the complex are designed with certain geometries and proportions, so as to contribute to the fluidity of the internal & external space. Parts of freestanding exterior walls, placed vertically between the yards, as well as scattered green elements, contribute to the division of exterior areas, without obstructing the view and the natural light. The composition through the creative reinterpretation and interrelation of the above reference points leads to the formation of a balanced net of forms and spaces with a minimalist architectural identity.

Concerning the interior of the hotel complex, off-white smooth plaster for the walls, local cement plaster for some built furniture, large slabs of dark grey marble for the floors, dark stained oak, metal works and diverse kinds of marbles for custom furniture, fabrics with different textures, mirrors, ceramic decorative pots and plates, lights made by opal glass, metal and marble, are the materials that shape the inner space and the objects that have been collected. The outer space moves in the same direction, as the colour of the exterior wall is a warm white, and its floor is a continuity of the indoor floor. The approach of the interior design is to offer an eclectic, unique style and discreet elegance that pair harmoniously with the exterior forms of the architectural composition.

room volumes are arranged in a stepped, twisted configuration

public access is provided via staircases on the north and west sides

five guest rooms cascade across the sloping terrain

each ground-floor unit includes a private plunge pool and lounge yard

plunge pools and terraces enhance privacy and outdoor living

minimalist white facades maintain harmony with the local context

balconies and openings are proportioned to frame sea views

freestanding walls define outdoor spaces without blocking light

off-white plaster walls and dark marble floors define the interiors

custom furniture uses dark oak, metal, and locally sourced stone

interior finishes balance simplicity with tactile richness

Kapsimalis Architects’ design maintains a consistent material palette throughout

the project achieves a strong connection between the interior and exterior realms

project info:

name: Small Hotel in Oia, Canaves Hotel

architect: Kapsimalis Architects | @kapsimalisarchitects

location: Oia, Santorini, Greece

photographer: Yiorgos Kordakis | @yiorgoskordakis

photography stylist: Anestis Michalis

The post shaped like cubic prisms, kapsimalis architects’ hotel rooms echo cave houses in santorini appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.