GOTO Retreat Ray / TAISEI DESIGN Architectural Planners and Engineers

Textual description provided by the architects. It is a small luxury hotel planned to be a symbol of the ongoing efforts to spread the appeal of the city of Goto in Japan’s Nagasaki Prefecture and revitalize the Abonze Coast area to the south of the city, in order to revitalize the Goto area. The site is located in Saikai National Park. The Goto Islands, known for their historical importance as a port for Japanese missions to Tang China (618-907), and a place of faith for hidden Christians seeking refuge from the mainland, fostered a unique culture that encompassed their role as islands. A center for cultural exchange with the continent. On January 28, 2022, the Goto Islands were designated as a Geopark of Goto Island (Shimo-Goto Area) in recognition of the efforts made there to preserve and utilize its geological heritage. Located near the Abbonz Visitor Centre, one of the main geopark facilities, and also close to the Abbonz Coast, this hotel enjoys a panoramic view of the dormant volcano Onidaki. Therefore, the local management and residents have high expectations for the hotel to contribute to regional revitalization.

Mount Onidaki, a symbolic feature of the islands, and the Abonzi Coast, covered in lava created thousands of years ago when the mountain was an active volcano, form not only part of the region’s natural heritage, but also important landscapes that are familiar parts of locals’ daily lives. In light of this, we have incorporated a design process that is deeply aware of the enduring architectural presence in this region and aims to highlight the historical value and layers of history found within the heritage, evoking the culture of the region.

Buildings in the area are closely linked to its history and culture due to their distinctive details, such as thick wall columns and arched windows, which evoke the image of stone masonry, wall surface reliefs, and slit windows similar to bay windows. The long drive from the hotel directly facing Mount Onidaki and the Abonzi Coast is lined with colorful native plants, and a poured concrete canopy with cedar and wood block finishes welcomes guests to the hotel. In the space for guests approaching the hotel, their field of vision is temporarily interrupted and then filled with a landscape featuring a pool of calm water.

Upon finally arriving at the lobby, guests are greeted with a panoramic sea view. The walls and ceiling of the lobby are covered with aluminum panels, and the space is designed so that guests feel as if the skyline and landscape extend into the lobby. The huge table in the center expresses an aquarium through the use of resin, and is also designed to reflect the clouds and blue skies above the landscape. All guest rooms have wide (7.4m) and full height (2.5m) windows facing the sea. The terrace is equipped with an outdoor bathtub so guests can see the expanse of sea at close range. Incorporating mirrors on walls near windows effectively turns them into reflective surfaces that bring outdoor vistas and landscapes into the interior space.