Spa Design - Hoshino Resort

During my internship in Japan, I contributed to the design of a large-scale hotel project, overseeing both its architectural and interior aspects. My primary focus was the conceptualization and design of Yugoya, a dedicated onsen (hot spring) facility adjacent to the main hotel building. Located in one of Japan's renowned mountain regions, famous for ski resorts and natural hot springs, this project aimed to offer guests a seamless experience of nature, relaxation, and traditional Japanese culture.

My design for Yugoya centered on the women’s outdoor onsen area, blending natural stone elements with the surrounding landscape to create a harmonious and immersive atmosphere. By integrating stones from the nearby terrain into the design, I established a natural flow between the indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing the sense of continuity and connection to the surrounding environment. This design also carefully considered the seasonal beauty of the location; in winter, for instance, guests experience the soft snowfall melting in the warmth of spring, surrounded by rising steam, creating a serene, almost ethereal scene.