Alejo's Designs

DESIGN CONCEPT

The Kinkaku-Ji Pavilion is a Buddhist temple which takes on a unique tiered form, achieved through the stacking of levels in the pagoda. The temple’s gradual reduction in footprint works to draw the viewer’s focus upward, while the gold-plated exterior of its upper levels offers contrast to the dark wood that frames its base. The design of the hotel builds upon this play of rhythm and form by utilizing existing architectural features to unite the space. Highlighting the volume of the lobby through these strategies helps to facilitate user circulation through intuitive design.

The reception of the Kinkaku-Ji Hotel is centered around the focal element of the unique architectural forms that help to guide the patrons’ use of the space. The central reception desk is framed within a freestanding structure, wrapped in a stone tiling that is interlaid with strands of gold. This grand materiality, which carries up to the second level, works to invite users of the hotel up to the public spaces on the second floor. Circulation has been carefully maintained in order to support a seamless and intuitive check-in process that greets patrons as soon as they enter into the space.

Sakura Bar & Lounge is a karaoke bar located on the second floor of the hotel, with a vibrant yet refined character that celebrates a classic Japanese pastime. Sakura, meaning cherry blossom, is an iconic and deeply meaningful symbol within Japanese culture that reflects renewal and the fleeting nature of life. As such, the aim of this space is to reconnect people to their inner joy through sharing in music and the company of others. The materiality reflects the concept of the restaurant through a polished magenta tiling that forms the backdrop of the main bar, helping to unify the space.

The Ukiyo kaiseki restaurant located on the second floor of the hotel is a fine dining experience for guests that features authentic and traditional multi-course meals that are largely centered around connecting with the chefs who place great intent into its preparation. The sightline as guests enter is focused on an elegant bonsai tree floating on an up-lit pedestal, connecting to the name’s meaning of “floating world.” Dropped ceilings and acoustical treatments on the walls help to create more intimate and social settings for small groups, separated from the alternative bar-top seating.

The sleeping floor features a range of suite layouts that consider the variety of patrons coming to the hotel, including families and tourists, along with people who are traveling alone or for business. As such, standard rooms offer options for one or two beds and include ample storage space, an accessible bathroom, a desk or workspace, as well as a private balcony. Premium suites expand on these amenities to include a kitchenette, a living room, and an additional half bath. The materiality supports a calming and relaxed environment through soft flooring & upholstered finishes. The hall/corridor intends to establish efficient circulation paths for guests and intuitively navigate them towards their room as well as other amenities located within the hotel.