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Achieving the perfect harmony between architecture and nature, EARTH is a circular retreat designed with an organic form that mirrors the flow of a coastal landscape.
Built on a green site surrounded by mature trees on Ishigaki Island, in Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture, this circular villa sits halfway between a high-end hotel and a home away from home. Designed by Sou Fujimoto Architects for hospitality company NOT A HOTEL, the breathtaking EARTH retreat takes the concept of “vacation” to a whole new level. Guests can book rooms via fractional (30 days) or whole (1 year) ownership; the former option quickly sold out, even before the architecture firm had completed the project.
The organic form of the building harmonizes with nature, mirroring both the soft curves of the landscape and the flow of water. Likewise, the interiors strike a balance between the feeling of a snug shelter and the sensation of being a part of nature. Here, the coastal views become the focus of a flawless composition where light and water make the architectural elements sing.
Like the most skillfully designed round houses, the 16,028-square-feet villa has a circular form that seems to organically grow from the site. A green roof makes the brilliant white structure almost disappear in the verdant setting when seen from above.
Water and light used as elements that both enrich the architectural design and create an atmosphere of deep calm.
This EARTH doesn’t have a molten core at its center, but an open-plan, shared living and dining space. A glazed wall opens this area to an infinity pool that seems to flow into the ocean and the sky. The four bedrooms accommodate up to 10 guests; they all boast full-height glazing that overlooks the coast, with one suite also featuring a private pool.
A highlight of the retreat, the sauna located on the lower level sits underneath a pool. The glass ceiling lets sunshine filter through the water to create moving brushstrokes of light on the wood-lined walls. After relaxing in the sauna, guests can use the outdoor bath to cool down. The villa also boasts a fully equipped gym and a large outdoor area with cozy seating surrounding a fire pit. Designed by Taichi Saito, the central courtyard garden houses a kids’ pool and a terrace.
When they’re not basking in the serenity of EARTH or exploring the coast, guests can also enjoy various activities on the island. Among them, a sunset cruise on a sabani, a traditional Okinawan sailing boat, or a personalized brewing experience at the Ikehara Brewery. Finally, a private chef is available to prepare meals with locally sourced ingredients, with the dishes offering modern takes on the island’s traditional cuisine. Photography© NOT A HOTEL.
