La Cupoliva
La Cupoliva
concept and inspiration
Inspired by Mediterranean luxury and neoclassical architecture, La Cupoliva was conceived as a multi-functional space combining a Michelin-level restaurant, long-term apartments, and a grand venue for weddings. The design integrates classical symmetry, a central glass dome, and an interplay of European and Japanese elements, blending opulence with cultural context.
Area: 2400 sqm
Year: 2024
Materiality and Aesthetics
Stucco was chosen for its practicality in Awaji’s climate and its suitability for classical forms. The wooden elements used Japanese patterns, offering subtle contrasts against Mediterranean influences. Interior concepts lean towards bold Mediterranean pieces, balanced with muted Japanese details in fabrics and tableware to create a dynamic yet cohesive ambiance.
Challenges and Solutions
The design faced multiple constraints, including a height limit of 10 meters, requiring the dome to be proportionally scaled to fit the structure. Additionally, technical limitations for the stained glass dome’s fabrication led to precise material calculations. By carefully blending Japanese patterns and Mediterranean motifs, I achieved harmony without either overpowering the other.
Impact and Outcome
Currently in the pre-construction phase, La Cupoliva represents a personal milestone in my growth as a designer, showcasing my ability to merge cultural aesthetics and respond to evolving client briefs. With its grandeur and multifunctionality, the project is set to redefine the luxury experience on Awaji Island.
Ogura Grove
Ogura Grove
concept and inspiration
Located on Awaji Island, Ogura Grove was designed to provide employee housing that balances privacy, functionality, and a strong connection to nature. Overlooking the ocean to the west, the design prioritizes maximizing ocean views for all residents while incorporating elements of Japanese sanctuary-like landscaping.
Area: 8000 sqm
Year: 2023
Materiality and Landscaping
The design incorporates vertical wooden slats on the façades and balconies, complementing the surrounding environment. Landscaping features included cherry blossoms, Momiji trees, and seasonal flora, designed to create a vibrant sanctuary where residents could interact with nature year-round. A small pond and pathways were integrated to enhance the feeling of tranquility and natural immersion.
Challenges and Solutions
Balancing privacy with ocean views was a key challenge. By tucking bedrooms deeper within the units and surrounding them with tall wooden slats, the design created private, cozy zones while allowing the living areas and outer balconies to engage with the environment. The zigzag design also served to minimize direct visibility into neighboring spaces.
Impact and Outcome
Although conceptual, Ogura Grove represents a significant milestone in my design journey, reflecting a nuanced understanding of the delicate balance between privacy, community, and nature. The project provides a vision for rethinking employee housing, blending functionality with a sense of luxury and connection to the environment.
Awaji Harmony Living
Awaji Harmony Living
concept and inspiration
A conceptual project envisioned for Awaji City, Awaji Harmony Living was a proposal aimed at fostering a vibrant and self-sustaining community. Designed as a multi-use space, the project integrates an international school, commercial spaces (offices, restaurants, and cafes), and residences tailored for digital nomads and short-term inhabitants. Drawing inspiration from the DNA Helix, the design embodies interconnectedness, innovation, and bold architectural expression.
Area: 4000 sqm
Year: 2023
Impact and Reflection
The project was conceptual, proposed as part of a competition by the Awaji government. Although it was not constructed due to high costs, it represents a significant milestone in my growth as a designer. It taught me to embrace bold design choices while remaining forward-thinking and pragmatic. Awaji Harmony Living reflects my commitment to fostering sustainable communities and creating iconic architecture that bridges humanity, nature, and innovation.
Koto Vegas
Koto Vegas
concept and inspiration
The Kotohira Project was part of a regional revitalization initiative for a shotengai (shopping street) in Kotohira, Kagawa Prefecture. The goal was to create engaging public art that celebrated the cultural heritage of the region while attracting visitors and reinvigorating the local community. Tasked with designing Tengu and Karasutengu masks, I collaborated with local artists and sculptors to bring these mythical figures to life, blending traditional references with modern digital tools.
Impact and Outcome
The masks became a centerpiece of the Kotohira Shotengai (Shopping Street’s) revitalization, drawing excitement and admiration from the community and stakeholders alike. The project’s success was evident in the community’s enthusiastic response, with the masks becoming a popular attraction for visitors and a symbol of the area’s cultural pride.
The Pasona Hotel
The Pasona Hotel
concept and inspiration
The Pasona Hotel, envisioned by Shigeru Ban’s team in collaboration with the CEO of Pasona Group, represents a thoughtful balance between innovative architecture and luxury living. As part of the broader design process, I contributed to conceptualizing interiors for the hotel rooms and in particular a VVIP suite blending the craftsmanship of Luxury Living Group’s furniture with the architectural elegance of the hotel.
Reflection and Learning
Although the concept remained in the exploratory stage, my contributions helped streamline the visualization process for ongoing room designs and aided in discussions about blending interior and architectural languages. Collaborating on a project of this scale provided invaluable insights into working with internationally renowned design teams and balancing brand identities within a larger vision.
