KAMENOI BESSO ROOM #5

Located in Yufuin, Oita Prefecture, “Kamenoi Bessou” is a traditional Japanese ryokan (inn) established in 1921, situated at the foot of Mount Yufu and along the shores of Lake Kinrin. Spanning a vast area of approximately 33,000 square meters, the property features a variety of structures, including detached cottages, the main building, and souvenir shops, all set against the backdrop of a natural forest, creating a picturesque scene. The project involved renovating a detached cottage known as “Gobankan,” an 80-square-meter space, to transform the traditional Japanese-style guest room into a Western-style room with an open-air bath.

The existing layout was centered around two serene Japanese-style rooms, each with its own distinct space, divided by numerous partitions and fixtures. The rooms were surrounded by a spacious garden, which was to be redesigned by a gardener, utilizing the existing trees. With these factors in mind, the goal of the renovation was to address the interior challenges while creating a guest room that fully embraced the newly revitalized garden.

To begin with, the original four-panel sliding doors facing the garden were replaced with a large, approximately 4-meter-wide glass window. A dining table was installed, allowing guests to enjoy meals while taking in the garden views. Next to the dining area, a raised lounge space was created, with varying floor heights to establish a subtle boundary without obstructing the view, allowing guests to enjoy the beautiful scenery from inside. Outside the window, a deep deck was added, and on the bedroom side, an open-air bath made of cypress wood was installed as an extension of the deck, enhancing the connection to the outdoors both visually and physically.

Additionally, structural reinforcements were made in some parts of the room, and some columns were removed to create a more expansive feel throughout the entire space. Louvers and sliding doors made of ash wood were used for partitions, offering flexibility in separating the space, such as closing off the bedroom when needed. By harmonizing the continuity between the rooms and their connection to the garden, the renovation aimed to update the overall space into a modern guest room while retaining the essence of traditional Japanese aesthetics.

Phase 1 construction: KAMENOI BESSO YUNOTAKE AN