Round Green Villa, Designed by Sou Fujimoto, Unveiled on Ishigaki Island
Sou Fujimoto, the renowned Japanese architect, has recently completed a remarkable project on Okinawa's Ishigaki Island - a circular, green-roofed mansion named 'EARTH'. This unique villa, nestled within a 10,000-square-meter beachfront location, offers an unparalleled retreat experience that seamlessly integrates luxury with nature.
The villa's design, reminiscent of a bowl-shaped structure, blends harmoniously into the island's lush greenery and ocean views. The green roof not only serves as a natural camouflage but also creates a gentle, hilly landscape that mirrors Ishigaki's natural beauty.
One of the standout features of the villa is the infinity pool, which merges visually with the horizon, creating a seamless transition between the built environment and the natural landscape. The villa also boasts a private courtyard with a children’s pool and fire pit, offering serene outdoor spaces that enhance the immersive experience of nature.
The design of the villa prioritises natural light and ventilation. A sauna, for instance, is illuminated by refracted light from the water basin above. The villa's communal living-dining area faces an infinity pool that disappears into the ocean, providing panoramic views and sunset experiences that are truly breathtaking.
Guests can indulge in personalised brewing experiences of Awamori, the indigenous spirit of Okinawa, at the neighboring Ikehara Brewery. The villa's eating experiences emphasise minimal processing and a strong sense of place, with family-style Okinawan home cooking and premium BBQ focused on local foods.
The villa's architecture is described as being in close proximity to nature. Taichi Saito, a landscape designer, has created a courtyard garden in the center of the villa plan, which includes a children's pool and an oasis-like water basin that flows between the indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a sense of continuity with the natural environment.
The villa offers four bedrooms that can accommodate up to ten people, one of which opens straight to the sea. Private dinners with live Sanshin music are also available for guests. The villa's size, approximately 1,500 square meters, is thought of as an extension of the earth.
The 'EARTH' project is the largest in its hospitality brand's network to date. Photos of the villa are available on Not a Hotel, taken by @newcolor_studio. Despite being fully booked before construction has even finished, the villa remains an exclusive retreat for those seeking a unique blend of sustainability, futuristic design, and harmonious integration with nature.
Visitors can also enjoy a traditional 'sabani' sailing voyage at twilight, further immersing themselves in the island's culture and beauty. For those seeking a truly unique and immersive experience, 'EARTH' by Sou Fujimoto is a must-visit destination.
The green-roofed mansion, named 'EARTH', designed by Sou Fujimoto, mirrors Ishigaki Island's natural beauty, seamlessly integrating architecture with art and nature. The villa's unique design, being close to nature, offers an unparalleled retreat experience that is a fusion of technology, lifestyle, and travel. The villa's communal living-dining area, providing breathtaking panoramic views, is a testament to the intersection of news and art in modern architecture.
