Hotel VMG Villa Kyoto: A Sukiya-Style Architecture Renovation in Kyoto by Moriyoshi Naotake Atelier

A Heritage Building Reimagined as Contemporary Hospitality

Hotel VMG Villa Kyoto is a remarkable example of Sukiya-style architecture renovation in Kyoto, where tradition and modern functionality coexist seamlessly. Designed by Moriyoshi Naotake Atelier, this boutique hotel breathes new life into a building originally constructed in 1920 by a skilled teahouse carpenter, commissioned by a tea master. Rooted in Kyoto’s architectural lineage, the project maintains the spirit of its origins while subtly adapting the structure for modern hotel use. Its legacy as a site for tea ceremonies remains palpable throughout the refined spatial experience.

Spatial Composition Anchored in Garden Integration

The site stretches longitudinally from north to south, with the building placed along the western edge and a garden on the east. This layout, typical of Sukiya-style design, frames every room with direct views of the carefully tended garden. The architecture’s asymmetrical and irregular floor plan strengthens the interplay between built form and nature, allowing light, movement, and time to animate the space across the day.

Each room is designed to interact with this natural extension through wide openings, encouraging guests to dwell in quiet reflection—a principle at the heart of the Sukiya tradition. The spatial arrangement fosters a sense of fluidity between interior and exterior, reinforcing the building’s original ceremonial function while serving the hotel’s hospitality goals.

Preserving Craftsmanship Through Modern Upgrades

The design process focused on preserving the original craftsmanship while integrating the modern systems needed for a luxury hotel. Unlike typical renovations where ceilings are altered to accommodate lighting and mechanical services, the unique ceiling patterns in this Sukiya-style building were left intact. Lighting was installed as minimal indirect sources—discreet downlights, furniture-based illumination, and ambient lighting within blind boxes subtly highlight architectural elements without disruption.

Similarly, modern HVAC systems were designed with reverence to the historic structure. Wall- and floor-mounted units replaced ceiling systems, and a custom-built ventilation unit was integrated as furniture to visually blend with the surroundings. The floor, predominantly tatami-covered, carried the electrical wiring beneath rather than through the ceiling. Light switches and heating controls were disguised as pillar-like furniture pieces, maintaining visual continuity with preserved earthen walls.

A Delicate Dialogue Between Old and New

In a conscious decision to distinguish between eras, newly introduced furniture and fixtures were constructed from oak, offering a material and color contrast from the existing finishes. This deliberate juxtaposition creates a visible dialogue between historical and contemporary elements while maintaining harmony through texture and restraint.

The bathrooms, too, express this blend—framed in Japanese cypress and reinforced glass, they retain natural warmth while embracing modern comfort. One striking feature is the main bathtub, which provides direct views of a small courtyard garden, linking moments of personal relaxation with a shared cultural heritage.

Seismic Reinforcement with Architectural Sensitivity

Structural updates were undertaken with subtlety. Earthquake-resistant wall panels and damper fittings were discreetly added, ensuring safety without compromising visual character. Original earthen walls were retained wherever structurally viable, and material continuity was maintained throughout. Every color, texture, and joint was considered carefully during construction, ensuring the architectural integrity of the 1920s building remained intact.

This renovation was not about transformation but resonant continuity. The past is not erased, but quietly celebrated and supported by subtle layers of new design. The result is a hotel experience that feels less like a retreat from modern life and more like an intimate conversation with history.

  All Photographs are works of Satoshi Shigeta