NOT A HOTEL ISHIGAKI “EARTH” | Sou Fujimoto Architects

Designed by world-renowned architect Sou Fujimoto, EARTH was built on the southeastern coast of Ishigaki Island, Okinawa Prefecture in the Yaeyama Island chain. The house is just an 11 minute drive from New Ishigaki Airport. In addition to a large living/dining room and pool overlooking the ocean, the property has four separate bedrooms that can accommodate up to 10 people. The courtyard is covered in greenery and features a kids' pool where children can play freely. There is also a firepit. The first floor has a sauna where light pours in above through a water basin next to the pool.

OVERVIEW

Appearance: Architecture that connects with nature through ambiguous boundaries

The building is circular, and the roof is bowl-shaped, creating a gentle hilly design that allows guests to feel Ishigaki’s lush greenery and crystal blue ocean from inside the rooms. One of EARTH's distinctive features is its white façade, which reflects the sunlight and creates a beautiful contrast with the blue sea and sky. All surfaces were finished by hand.

Courtyard: A relaxing courtyard with an oasis-like pond

When standing in the bowl-shaped courtyard, guests can only see the sky and the ocean. The roof is covered with greenery, and when viewed from above, the house disappears into the surroundings. The courtyard also has a pool where children can play freely and a fireplace where adults can hold a bonfire. Landscape gardener Taichi Saito did the planting.

Living/dining room: Enjoy a picturesque sunset in looking out at the sea

The unobstructed view of the ocean allows gazing out to the horizon. Guests can hire a private chef to cook dinner served at the main table.

Infinity Pool: The front row pool blends in with the horizon

The infinity pool blends seamlessly into the ocean and can be directly accessed from the living-dining room. Swimmers can enjoy the sound of the waves and the breeze while watching the sun sink into the horizon.

Sauna/Gym: An underwater sauna with sunlight streaming in, as well as a full gym space

The sauna space is on the first floor. The light that shines into the water basin next to the pool on the second floor pours in through the skylights of the sauna room, creating a unique space that makes guests feel as if they’re at the bottom of the ocean. There are two showers and a cold bath adjacent to the sauna room. Opening the glass door leads to an open-air bathing space. The gym is equipped with a running machine, a Smith machine, a punching bag, and dumbbells.

Bathroom: A bath harmonizing with gentle horizontal lines

The glass-walled bathroom is also equipped with a shower. The bathtub is as low as possible, so it feels like it flows into the water basin and the sea.

Bedroom: A seaside bedroom that invites you into deep sleep

There is a water basin in front of the room, and beyond that, the ocean. The light streaming in through the bezel-less window creates a pleasant atmosphere.

ACCESS
Address: Miyara 120-92, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture, 907-0243
Access: 11 minutes by car from New Ishigaki Airport

Name: NOT A HOTEL ISHIGAKI EARTH

Address: Miyara 120-92, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture, 907-0243

Access: 11 minutes by car from New Ishigaki Airport

Site area: 9,586.00 m2

Structure and size: Reinforced-concrete structure, two floors above ground

Total number of villas in complex: One

Indoor area: 975.01 m2

Total area (including indoor area, 2nd floor terrace, pool, and water basin): 1,489.13 m2

Courtyard area: 2,066.07 m2

Floor plan: 4 bedrooms (+ maid's room)

Maximum occupancy: 10 people

Design: Sou Fujimoto Architects

Construction: Maeda Toyo Construction Joint Venture

Owner/Seller: NOT A HOTEL Co., Ltd.

Operating company: NOT A HOTEL MANAGEMENT Co., Ltd.