TRUNK Hotel Yoyogi Park, Modern Tokyo accommodation building, New Japanese architecture design images
TRUNK Hotel Yoyogi Park in Tokyo
6 September 2023
Architecture: Keiji Ashizawa Design
Location: Tomigaya, Shibuya-ku; Tokyo
Now open to visitors, the TRUNK hospitality group unveils its third location in the Japanese capital – TRUNK (HOTEL) YOYOGI PARK.
Images by TRUNK and Tomooki Kengaku
TRUNK (Hotel) Yoyogi Park, Japan
Built on a philosophy that firmly roots each site within its local community, TRUNK aims to offer guests an immersive experience of some of the most vibrant neighbourhoods in Tokyo. Set just walking distance from the heart of the bustling Shibuya district, the new hotel is embedded in the stylish and relaxed residential neighbourhood of Tomigaya – conveniently situated to offer visitors an authentic local experience in one of Tokyo’s most engaging areas, packed with shopping, entertainment, dining, and sight-seeing opportunities.
Finding a unique niche between the large hotel chains of the wider Tokyo area, the boutique 1499m² hotel is designed to fit seamlessly into the spirit of the district, featuring a laid-back, human-centric program, and aesthetic choices that echo the easy-going, yet sophisticated atmosphere of the neighbourhood.
Having decided to work with a local studio for the project, TRUNK commissioned Tokyo-based Keiji Ashizawa Design to oversee the architecture and interior design throughout, assigning responsibility for sketches, renderings, and site supervision. Working alongside the TRUNK in-house creative team, TRUNK Atelier, the Keiji Ashizawa Design team also led the development of custom lighting and furniture designs, bespoke components and materials.
“A hotel provides an important framework for guests to experience their surrounding environment, and for this project especially we felt it important to consider and design a unique and authentic setting that encourages an enriched experience in Tokyo, whether for first-time visitors or local guests from the wider neighbourhood. The DNA of the two neighbouring districts, Tomigaya and Shibuya is present throughout, their contrasts and harmonies celebrated in a way we hope will cultivate a new culture, unique to TRUNK(HOTEL) YOYOGI PARK.” Keiji Ashizawa – Founder, Architect and Designer, Keiji Ashizawa Design.
Copenhagen-based studio Norm Architects were also engaged to support the interior design of the hotel, marking the first occasion TRUNK has collaborated with an international design team and the continuation of a long-standing working relationship with Keiji Ashizawa Design.
Drawing upon the extensive expertise of its collaborators, TRUNK(HOTEL) YOYOGI PARK presents a hybrid of global design expertise, with each team sharing common values and a holistic approach to the fields of interiors, architecture, and design.
“Scandinavian and traditional Japanese design traditions are bound together by embedded qualities of simplicity, functionality, refinement, and attention to detail. There is a respect regarding the use of natural materials in design and architecture, a fondness of muted colour palettes, and a humble approach to expressivity through genuine craftsmanship. Where other design traditions can be sensuous, expressive, and playful, there is a down-to-earth seriousness in the Japanese and Scandinavian cultures originating in design thinking that was based upon accommodating practical needs and a desire to find the core essence of any given project. There has been a long and mutual exchange of ideas, which is evident in both traditions today and throughout this project.” Frederik Alexander Werner, Designer and Partner, Norm Architects.
Design and colour inspiration for the project was found in the contrasting, yet balanced, aspects of Tokyo. The result presents a synthesis of Yoyogi Park (one of the city’s largest green spaces) its surrounding city blocks, and nearby Shibuya Crossing (the world’s busiest intersection); modern and traditional lifestyles; the interplay of raw and refined; and the Japanese and European craft traditions of the team. The design of the building plays upon this balance and contrast with a simple, almost brutalist structure, featuring exposed raw concrete (a result of unique Japanese architectural construction techniques), juxtaposed with elegant wooden louvres across the balconies, and delicate, softening greenery.
Tactile environments filled with biophilic and biomorphic design elements were prioritised throughout TRUNK(HOTEL) YOYOGI PARK to encourage serenity of mind and wellbeing within the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. The design exhibits a soft minimal approach and conveys richness in simplicity through a neutral, natural materials palette featuring durable components fitting for long-term use within the hotel.
Aiming to authentically connect with its target demographic of domestic and international professional creatives, TRUNK(HOTEL) YOYOGI PARK embeds subtle narrative touch-points throughout the property by working with local craftsmen, manufacturers, and materials to layer local stories into each room and object.
Domestic Japanese brands are introduced with a range of unique and custom designs. Carpets manufactured in collaboration with Hotta Carpet are inspired by the rhythms found in traditional Japanese architecture and the facade of the hotel itself, whilst bespoke furniture designs produced in partnership with Karimoku and Ariake Collection are seen across all areas of the hotel. Soft, residential-style lighting was employed throughout the interior, with bespoke washi-paper pendant lights crafted by Kyoto-based Kojima Shoten illuminating the living spaces, and wall lamps in the lounge and restaurant produced by Eiko Miki, a Japanese copper-plate artist.
A carefully selected curation of artwork from emerging and Tokyo-based artists is on display and available to purchase throughout the property, including bespoke pieces produced in collaboration with Atelier Yamanami – a social enterprise in Shiga that houses people with disabilities and encourages them to channel their creativity into artistic outlets.
Guest rooms are presented across five floors, offering twenty individual rooms and five suites, including an expansive 95 m² Owner’s Suite and Terrace. Each room features an accompanying balcony, with views of either Yoyogi Park or the local neighbourhood. Slanted balcony ceilings amplify natural daylight and highlight the transitions of the sun. Amenities include locally produced, eco-friendly products, such as flip-flops crafted from recycled rubber, and toiletries made from local, organic ingredients.
With a vision to create a vibrant and energetic hotel that serves as a place for kindred spirits to meet and collaborate, TRUNK(HOTEL) YOYOGI PARK offers workspaces, social environments and entertainment areas. The restaurant, PIZZERIA e TRATTORIA L’OMBELICO, is located on the ground floor of the hotel, and welcomes both the local public and visiting hotel guests across eighty seats, with open-air and dog friendly tables available. The all-day dining menu is supervised by the award-winning chef who is also the owner of several Italian restaurants in Tokyo including Trattoria e Pizzeria L’ARTE in Sangenjaya, and serves Italian cuisine with pizzas fired in a brick oven imported from Italy.
“It gives us great pleasure to open TRUNK(HOTEL) YOYOGI PARK next to the park that symbolises the city of Tokyo. We are confident that even seasoned travellers will be delighted by the superb rooftop views across the greenery of the park and the landscape of Tokyo. The hotel was designed in an elegant and refined style out of consideration for its location in Tomigaya. This one-of-a-kind luxury location was made possible by the magnificent teamwork and collaboration of Keiji Ashizawa Design and Norm Architects. We hope you’ll enjoy the essence of relaxation and excitement as it has been articulated in the form of TRUNK.”
Yoshitaka Nojiri – Founder and CEO, TRUNK co., Ltd.
TRUNK (Hotel) Yoyogi Park in Tokyo, Japan – Building Information
Architects: Keiji Ashizawa Design
Interior Desgin: Norm Architects
Location: Tomigaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Facilities: Rooftop pool and lounge, all-day dining
Guest rooms: 20 rooms and 5 suites
Standard (Room: 22 sqm; Balcony: 7 sqm)
City View Standard (Room: 22 sqm; Balcony: 7 sqm)
Standard + Balcony (Room: 23 sqm; Balcony: 8 sqm)
Park View Standard + Balcony (Room: 23 sqm; Balcony: 8 sqm)
Park View Suite + Balcony (Room: 45 sqm; Balcony: 16 sqm)
Owner’s Suite (Room: 65 sqm; Terrace: 30 sqm in total)
TRUNK
TRUNK is a new generation of design hotels that are bucking the atypical business and luxury hotel concept in Tokyo/Japan, which surprisingly lacks cutting-edge boutique design hotels. The TRUNK philosophy is all about making sure guests are able to immerse themselves in the most vibrant neighbourhoods in Tokyo and socialise to the fullest.
Images: TRUNK and Tomooki Kengaku
TRUNK (Hotel) Yoyogi Park in Tokyo, Japan images / information received 060923
Location: Tomigaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan, eastern Asia
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