Imagine arriving at a villa where the architecture feels less like a structure and more like an organic extension of the landscape itself. This is the experience that the newly completed EARTH villa offers. Designed by internationally acclaimed architect Sou Fujimoto for NOT A HOTEL, EARTH redefines the concept of a vacation home, merging sustainability, beauty, and futuristic design into a spectacularly unique form.
Located in a serene coastal region on Ishigaki Island, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, EARTH stands as a testament to both environmental consciousness and cutting-edge design. The villa sits at the center of a natural preserve, surrounded by panoramic views of the ocean and lush, rolling greenery. This is the canvas that Fujimoto used as both inspiration and material for his vision. It seems like a dream from the description and the pictures but for those who will be able to afford to live in it, then it will be a dream come true.
Designer: Sou Fujimoto
EARTH’s most striking feature is its bold, circular footprint. This continuous band of architecture encloses a private courtyard, offering seamless indoor-outdoor transitions and ensuring privacy without sacrificing openness. Large, curved glass walls maximize sightlines while letting in abundant natural light, blurring boundaries between inside and outside. But it’s the living green roof that truly sets EARTH apart. Covered with native grasses and plants, the roof transforms the villa into a verdant oasis that changes with the seasons. This eco-friendly feature not only blends the house into its surroundings but also provides natural insulation, reduces rainwater runoff, and offers a habitat for local wildlife.
Sou Fujimoto is well known for architectural works that explore the interplay of nature and human habitation, and EARTH may be his most ambitious exploration yet. The villa’s green roof is supported by sustainable building materials and energy-efficient systems, including passive ventilation, solar panels, and rainwater harvesting mechanisms. Every element is designed to minimize the home’s environmental footprint while maximizing comfort. Inside, the interiors are minimalist but warm, featuring natural wood accents, a palette of earth tones, and custom furniture chosen to emphasize tranquility. Cozy nooks, a spacious kitchen, and a panoramic main living area complete the luxurious yet unobtrusive feel.
NOT A HOTEL has built its reputation on offering flexible, membership-based second-home experiences with hotel-level amenities and services. EARTH is available as part of its unique shared ownership model, allowing members to stay in this exquisite retreat for several weeks per year without the burdens of traditional ownership. Hotel services such as concierge, maintenance, housekeeping, and even private dining can be arranged, giving guests the freedom to relax and immerse themselves in the site’s natural beauty. The completion of EARTH marks a new chapter in sustainable luxury travel. It is a villa that does not just sit on the land but becomes part of it, representing a harmonious vision for the future of architecture, hospitality, and environmental stewardship.
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