This project is a companion to the Saitama Grand Hotel Honjo.
We supervised the design of, and designed the furniture for, the renovation of Saitama Grand Hotel Fukaya, built in the Showa Era. The existing building had a marble finish, extravagant chandeliers, and gold-plated ceilings that reflected the 1980’s bubble economy. For the renovation process we started by looking at what was already there. Despite the great condition and distinctive character of most of the original elements, their overall composition made them clash and cancel out their individual charm. In order to bring back focus on these pieces, we introduced them into different arrangements and new, more contemporary compositions.
In the interior, most of the base finishes are polished. Both stone and metal surfaces have received this treatment. In order to highlight the individual character of these shiny materials, and preventing them from clashing, we decided to treat the upper part of the walls and ceilings with a matte finish. We brought in roughness to complement the shine, and created a pleasant spatial backdrop where the two qualities are in harmony.
Throughout the hotel, the furniture pieces, materials and various finishes in general, were decided upon with the relationship between original and new in mind. We wanted the two to complement each other whether it is as contrast or relation. Underneath, three examples of the design philosophy.1: Materialities as memory of the land Fukaya used to be a famous for brick manufacturing. The hotel lobby’s centerpieces, such as the check-in counter, cafe, wall paneling and the table legs, are made of cherry blossom-colored bricks, referring to both the area’s heritage and the famous cherry blossom trees in the area.
2: Loving, playful spaces
Adjacent to the hotel is a wedding chapel. With this in mind, we wanted to create a glamorous and playful space for the younger generation of wedding go’ers and planners. In the lounge, we placed large, round and voluminous furniture that invites people to sink into them, relax and enjoy. Furniture with different materialities and transparencies, such as brick-tiles, acrylics, and fabrics, were composed within an array of cherry blossom shades, referencing the base color of the brick.
3: Contrasts in public and private spaces
In contrast to the inviting, warmth of the common areas, the private areas, the guest rooms and bathrooms, are steeped with a soothing, low-saturated green color. The complementary color contrast between the two sections emphasizes the hospitality and serenity that characterize each space.
Lastly
Essentially, interior design is an exercise in redefining the relationship between things. Sometimes the relationship between items and materials in a space is made to fit together, and sometimes to stand apart - either way somehow complementing each other. With this in mind, we wanted to create a hotel that would bring out the charm of the '80s space while coexisting with the comfort of a modern space.
（Ben Nagaoka + Ryo Yamamoto）
