Nazuna Hakone Miyanoshita Hotel Renovation by STUDIO ALUC
Transforming a reinforced concrete structure into a traditional Kyoto-style ryokan experience in Hakone.
1Project Overview and Scope
STUDIO ALUC completed the renovation of the Nazuna Hakone Miyanoshita hotel in 2025. Spanning an area of 817 square meters, the project focuses on interior design and refurbishment. Located in Odawara, Japan, the site serves as a new hospitality destination for the Nazuna brand, which originally established its reputation in Kyoto.
2Design Challenge and Constraints
The primary design challenge involved integrating Kyoto-style aesthetics within a rigid reinforced concrete structure. Unlike the brand's traditional projects involving wooden machiya townhouses, this site required a structural adaptation. Architects Hirona Sasaki and Jun Kameda led the design team to reconcile these contrasting architectural forms while maintaining the brand's core identity.
3Brand Identity and Cultural Translation
Nazuna is known for reinterpreting Kyoto culture through contemporary design language. For this Hakone location, the firm aimed to translate those specific cultural qualities into a modern building framework. The process required careful material selection and spatial planning to evoke the atmosphere of a traditional ryokan despite the concrete shell.
4Architectural Execution and Materials
The renovation project utilized the existing 817 square meter footprint to create a cohesive hospitality experience. By focusing on interior design, the team successfully modified the internal flow and visual language of the reinforced concrete building. The project highlights the technical ability to repurpose existing infrastructure for high-end hospitality use.
5Site Context and Regional Significance
Situated in Hakone, a region renowned for its hot springs and traditional tourism, the hotel occupies a strategic location. The choice of Odawara as the city context places the project within a significant Japanese transit and cultural hub. This development reflects broader trends in Japanese hospitality, blending regional heritage with modernization.
6Design Team and Professional Collaboration
The design team, consisting of Hirona Sasaki and Jun Kameda, managed the complex refurbishment process. Their work demonstrates a specific approach to hospitality interiors, prioritizing the brand's established aesthetic values. The project documentation, including photography by Kenta Hasegawa, provides a detailed record of the transformation from the original concrete structure.
7Operational and Aesthetic Integration
The interior design strategy focuses on creating a seamless transition between the exterior concrete form and the interior ryokan experience. By re-editing traditional elements, the architects achieved a balance that respects the brand's Kyoto roots. This approach ensures that guests encounter a consistent brand narrative throughout the newly opened hotel facility.
8Impact of Adaptive Reuse
This project serves as a case study for adaptive reuse in the hospitality sector. By successfully converting a reinforced concrete building into a culturally resonant ryokan, STUDIO ALUC demonstrates the potential of refurbishment over new construction. The 2025 completion marks a significant expansion for the Nazuna brand within the Japanese market.
Original article: ArchDaily Global — Nazuna Hakone Miyanoshita Hotel Renovation by STUDIO ALUC