Shotaro Oshima Design Studio collaborated with Manabu Aritsuka Architect Atelier to convert a 1950s Japanese farmer’s house into modest hotel with U-shaped gardens.
KOMORU Goshogawara is a beautifully modest hotel located in the outskirts of Goshogawara in Aomori, Japan. Goshogawara is surrounded by beautiful mountains and rivers, and hotel KOMORU offers the opportunity for guests to spend time in solitude and to embark on a spiritual journey to the fullest.
The original building dated back to the 1950s and was home to a farming family before it was left empty for five years before being redesigned and renovated.
With sustainability in mind, the architects retained the existing timber structure but the internal spaces have been considerably altered.
The house was converted to a boutique hotel with the ground floor containing four guest rooms, a dining room, a kitchen and a bathroom, with one guest room and staff room on the upper floor.
Although there has been a complete refurbishment and reconsideration of the original building, the hotel kept some memorable architectural elements, such as Tokonoma (Japanese traditional alcove), from the existing interior, to tell a richer story of history and culture of the original building.
The architectural interventions can be understood as a number of parallel projects, from a new U-shaped inner garden “Tsuboniwa” – which is linked to three guest rooms – to the creation of a cosy new lobby and dining space.
Alongside the architectural project, KOMORU Goshogawara has undertaken extensive landscaping with a new front garden design that utilises local trees and stones. The front garden offers a generous and welcoming atmosphere for guests at their arrival.
Here, Shotaro Oshima – who worked across the architectural design, landscape design and furniture design for this project – discusses the details of this strking space.
Where did the conversation with the client begin and what was their brief?
The client is my business partner / close friend so we did not set a proper brief. However we both had respectful attitudes towards the existing building and the local environment. Throughout the design process my and the client did a detailed research of the existing building, how to architecturally maintain the original and historical aura.
Tell us about some of the new design features that were unique to this project?
One of the unique design features is the creation of U-shaped inner gardens, known as ‘Tsuboniwa’, providing serene outdoor experiences for each guest room. This inner garden would invite guests to embark on a spiritual journey, resonating with the harmonious blend of history, culture, and nature.
Can you talk about the use of materials throughout?
We used burned wood siding for the external finish. As for the entrance floor and bathroom is finished by black-ink mortar. For the guest floor finish is filled with Japanese paper containing Tatami mat.
How did you tackle issues surrounding sustainability?
By using local building material like Aomori Hiba wood and local Japanese garden stone, we tried to respond to the local culture. Corroboration with local architects and contractors was good for enhancing the local economy and creating job opportunities for the area.
What was the most challenging part about this project?
Understanding of existing timber structure, and controlling the increasing material cost, especially timber.
How would you describe this project in three words?
Thoughtful, sentimental, modest.
W: shotarooshima.com | W: aritsuka.com
Photography by Yuki Motegi
