Category: Commercial Projects
Building Of The Year
Design Award
Jury Citation:
“The judges are deeply impressed by the aesthetic purity of Amanemu and the
creation of a strong sense of place in this refined architecture.
The jury panel applauds the careful choice of the dark coloured material on the
exterior of the architecture and the skilful use of light, lines and colours, which
herald a new modern vernacular in the context of its monochromatic environment.
Complementing the golden hues of the interiors and the seasonal landscape of
colours, the architectural details are understatedly elegant and cultured.
Details such as the half-hip, half-gable tiled roof and the sensuous ceilings, also
demonstrate the strong design hand of an innovative architect who has refined his
craft over time and is able to simultaneously bring both tradition and signature
newness into an architecture in a foreign land.
The mastery of the architect, in perfectly designing Landscape, Architecture and
Interior into one seamless whole, creates an enthralling holistic experience that is
unmistakably timeless in its serenity.
For the uplifting purity of architecture and for the deliverance of a total design
environment that has captured the spirit of the place and the soul of architecture,
the jury panel unanimously awards Amanemu, a Design Award and Building of the
Year 2017.”
Amanemu is located within the Ise-Shima National Park on the south-east coast of the Japanese island of Honshu.
The design is conceived as a contemplative retreat nestled in the landscape. The resort comprises 24 guest suites, 4 villas, Public Areas and a Spa, including a traditional onsen, set along the ridgelines of a wooded peninsula overlooking the ocean.
The pavilions present a contemporary interpretation of the traditional Minka farmhouse, with steeply pitched roofs clad in silver glazed clay tiles. Refined detailing and precise construction create a sense of understated simplicity in which each material pays respect to another.
The guest suites are designed as finely crafted timber boxes. A light palette of natural materials demarcates the interior from the dark cedar cladding of the exterior. Pale timber wall paneling extends into lofty ceiling spaces, grey basalt stone tiles line private onsen baths and sliding timber and woven textile screens open onto generous verandahs (engawa).
The Public Areas interweave external and internal spaces to immerse guests in the coastal environment. A network of covered walkways connects separate lounge, dining and library pavilions, interspersed with landscaped courtyards containing sunken seating areas and a lap pool overlooking the ocean.
Internal volumes are defined by a variety of sculpted ceiling forms while full height glazing connects the interior with the surrounding private gardens. All furniture is custom designed with white oak tables complemented by neutral toned fabrics and soft furnishings in subdued hues of grey, blue, orange and brown to reflect the changing colours of the seasons.
A secluded Spa houses a gym, treatment rooms and private onsen pavilions in a tranquil garden setting. Here the architecture extends into the landscape, with a series of stone paved courtyards, timber decks and relaxation pavilions framing steaming mineral pools fed by natural hot spring water.
