kubo tsushima architects reflects river scenery within hotel in japan

Kubo Tsushima Architects’ mirrored ceilings amplify landscape

Kubo Tsushima Architects settles a peaceful retreat within the mountainous countryside of Okuyugawara, Japan. In the Yugawara spa resort, the Villa of Water Mirror hotel overlooks and draws in the Fujiki River and its hot springs. The studio’s design was inspired by these natural views, and uses mirrored elements to reflect the surrounding vistas internally.

kubo tsushima architects settles a peaceful retreat within the mountainous landscape

all images by Munetaka Onodera

Connecting people with places

Kubo Tsushima Architects was founded in 2011 by Hideaki Kubo and Yumi Tsushima. The Tokyo-based design practice believes in giving ‘form’ to comfortable environments that connect people with places and nature. In the Villa of Water Mirror, reflective ceilings fill bedrooms, bathrooms and living areas, with the ever changing scenery of the outdoor world.

the interior finishes are dark-toned to make the mirrored landscape stand out

swaying trees and murmuring water is captured internally

The layout opens towards the river and the interior finishes are dark-toned, making the reflected landscape stand out. As the seasons change, so too does the atmosphere of the internal spaces, creating a deep connection between the hotel’s architecture and it’s surroundings. The slightest details, such as the swaying of the trees or the murmuring of the river water, is captured in the highly reflective material, forming a calm space.

the project aims to reflect the surrounding natural views internally