Shima-Yado ("Island Inn") | A Private Lodge

"SHIMA-YADO" is a quaint private lodge located on Gogoshima Island, transformed from a traditional Japanese house built 60 years ago. Through meticulous renovation guided by CHIASMA FACTORY, the house blends historical elements with modern luxury, ideal for travelers seeking a serene, immersive experience.

The client of "SHIMA-YADO" is a building materials company based in Matsuyama City, led by a young CEO with an entrepreneurial passion. What makes him interesting is his approach to business diversification, which includes revitalizing old properties for new purposes. He has a vision for transforming underutilized spaces into vibrant destinations, thereby contributing to local economic growth and cultural revival. Their collaboration with ferry operators has enabled them to access and invest in properties on Gogoshima Island, showcasing their commitment to regional development through tourism and hospitality.

The renovation of "SHIMA-YADO" faced significant challenges due to the age and condition of the building. Being 60 years old and mostly unaltered since its construction, the wooden structure had deteriorated beams and columns, while some parts of the roof and exterior walls suffered from severe decay due to water infiltration. Integrating modern needs such as insulation and safety without compromising the building’s historical integrity was also a critical challenge. Furthermore, maintaining the traditional Japanese aesthetic while upgrading the facilities to meet contemporary luxury standards required careful planning and execution.

To address the deterioration and safety concerns of "SHIMA-YADO," extensive structural repairs were conducted, including the reinforcement of beams and columns and the restoration of water-damaged areas. Modern insulation techniques were meticulously applied within the building’s envelope to enhance comfort without altering its historic appearance.

By removing unnecessary internal partitions, the renovation created a sense of openness and fluidity within the space, allowing for natural movement and interaction between different areas, thus enhancing the overall spatial experience for guests.

The interior design harmonized traditional Japanese elements with modern luxury, using materials that reflect the indigenous culture yet offer contemporary sophistication. Large windows were installed to enhance natural light and views, and the use of indigo, a traditionally secondary color, as the main theme brought a unique aesthetic that seamlessly tied the old with the new.

"SHIMA-YADO" stands out due to its thoughtful blend of traditional Japanese architecture and modern design elements. The project uniquely preserves the cultural heritage of a traditional Japanese house while seamlessly integrating contemporary comforts and luxury.

The use of indigo as a dominant color theme throughout the interior is particularly distinctive. This color choice links the historical significance of this color in Japanese culture with modern aesthetic sensibilities, enriching the visual experience and deepening the sense of place and authenticity.

Additionally, the design's emphasis on spatial openness and fluidity transforms the traditional segmented layout into a more inclusive and interactive environment, enhancing the guest experience by fostering a connection between the indoor spaces and the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.

The renovation was driven by a vision to uncover and amplify the inherent charm of the traditional structure, ensuring the building met modern usability standards while resonating with its historical and cultural significance. The design emphasized reducing physical barriers, enhancing material quality, and maintaining an aesthetic continuity that reflects Japanese minimalism and luxury.

In the renovation of "SHIMA-YADO," the traditional Japanese four-room floor plan was preserved. This plan involves dividing a nearly square floor into four functional areas with cross-shaped walls or fittings. This designates spaces for communal living, dining, and sleeping areas, with significant architectural features designed to amplify interconnectedness and openness. The communal area, equipped with large windows offering expansive ocean views, features a high cathedral ceiling with exposed beams, enhancing spatial flow and visual continuity.

Traditional elements such as the earthen walls and washed-out floors in the entrance area, tokonoma (alcove), and hand-carved transom panels above the openings were meticulously restored to convey the ambiance of an old Japanese house. The separate compact spaces originally housing the toilet, washbasin, and bath were combined into a single, modern sanitary area with contemporary fixtures and large blue tiles that complement the house’s theme color of indigo, set behind glass partitions to create a harmonious yet contrasting modern aesthetic.

In spaces other than the sanitary area, the blend of traditional and modern elements is carefully balanced. The extensive use of solid wood and plaster materials ensures harmony, while features like a minimalist stainless-steel kitchen, sleek steel dining chairs, and contemporary lighting fixtures vividly contrast the old and new.