Aerial view of modern villas on a coastal hillside with circular designs and surrounding greenery.

Aerial view of a coastal area with modern villas integrated into the landscape. The villas have circular and curved designs, situated on a hilly terrain overlooking the sea. The surrounding area includes lush greenery and a winding road.

A modern villa with a curved roof situated by a calm body of water, surrounded by trees and hills in the background.
A modern villa with a curved roof situated on a hillside overlooking a body of water, with mountains in the background.
Aerial view of a circular building with a central courtyard, surrounded by roads and natural landscape near a body of water.
A modern circular villa with large glass windows and a curved roof, surrounded by a pool with two loungers on the deck.
Aerial view of a circular architectural structure with a central courtyard featuring a pool and seating area.
A modern architectural structure with a circular design, featuring a wooden ceiling and large glass panels overlooking a scenic view of mountains and water.
A modern architectural structure with a curved wooden ceiling and large glass windows overlooking an infinity pool and scenic landscape.
A narrow outdoor pathway with stone steps is flanked by curved concrete walls and lush greenery, leading to a distant view of the sea.
A modern villa with a wooden overhang and glass walls overlooking a serene body of water and mountains at dusk. The villa features an infinity pool and lounge chairs on a stone patio.
A circular courtyard featuring curved concrete walls, a small tree, and round cushioned seating next to a shallow pool.
Two people sit around a circular outdoor firepit surrounded by wooden benches and trees, with a building wall in the background, under a twilight sky.
A circular outdoor seating area with a fire pit is surrounded by curved concrete walls. The area overlooks a pool with an illuminated tree in the background.
A circular outdoor seating area with a fire pit in the center, surrounded by trees and enclosed by curved concrete walls. The area is illuminated by soft lighting, and an open doorway leads to a room with a view of the mountains.
A modern interior space featuring a long, curved sofa with a view of the sea through large glass windows. The ceiling is wooden, and the walls have a textured finish. A flat-screen TV is mounted on the wall.
A modern interior space with large glass windows offering a panoramic view of the sea and mountains. The room features a long wooden dining table with chairs, a sleek kitchen area, and a circular seating arrangement. The ceiling is wooden, and the flooring appears to be slate.
A modern interior space featuring a dark stone-tiled bath area with large glass windows offering a panoramic view of the sea and distant hills. The ceiling is made of wood, adding warmth to the space.
Interior view of a modern dining area with a large table and chairs facing a panoramic window overlooking a scenic body of water and mountains.
Two people sitting at a table with chairs in a room overlooking a scenic view of mountains and water.
A view through curved concrete walls leading to a dining area with chairs, overlooking a scenic landscape with mountains and water.
A modern bedroom with large glass windows offering a view of a serene body of water and distant mountains. The room features a minimalist design with a wooden ceiling, slate flooring, and a low platform bed. Outside, a stone bathtub is visible on a patio area surrounded by a concrete wall and sparse trees.
A modern bedroom with a large bed facing a floor-to-ceiling window offering a panoramic view of a body of water and distant mountains.
A modern bedroom with a large bed, wooden ceiling, and a glass wall offering a view of a serene body of water and distant hills. Two lounge chairs are visible on the terrace outside.
A modern bedroom with large glass windows, wooden ceiling and floor, and a bed with white linens.
A scale model of a landscape with architectural structures is displayed on a table. The model features layered terrain and circular buildings, resembling a topographical map. A person is partially visible, seated next to the model.
A small, minimalist workspace with a curved concrete wall, a wooden desk, a black chair, and a modern desk lamp.
A simple black and white line drawing of a 90-degree angle with an arrow pointing downward, labeled '90° RESTAURANT'.
A simple black rectangle with an upward pointing arrow above it. Below the rectangle, the text 'ONE DIRECTION' is written.
A simple black and white diagram of the 180° Villa, depicting a U-shaped layout with arrows pointing outward from the structure.
A minimalist line drawing of a semi-circular shape with arrows pointing outward, labeled '270° VILLA'.
A simple black and white diagram showing concentric circles with arrows pointing outward, labeled '360° VILLA'.

Story

Blending Scandinavian and Japanese Design on Sagi Island Located on the remote Sagi Island in Japan, Not A Hotel . Setouchi is a luxury resort composed of three villas, each offering breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea. Designed by BIG in collaboration with the Japanese hospitality group NOT A HOTEL, the project is a testament to the harmonious relationship between Scandinavian and Japanese design philosophies. The resort is situated on a 30,000 m² site and integrates seamlessly into the island's natural landscape, using local materials and traditional techniques. The villas, named ‘360,’ ‘270,’ and ‘180’ based on their respective views, are thoughtfully positioned to follow the island's natural contours. The '360' villa, located at the highest point, provides uninterrupted views in all directions and features a central courtyard. The '270' villa offers a 270-degree panorama and includes unique bathing spaces and a sauna. The '180' villa, closest to the sea, follows the coastline's curvature and includes an inner courtyard with seasonal foliage. Each villa draws inspiration from traditional Japanese architecture, with elements like glass façades reminiscent of shoji screens and Genshoseki slate floors echoing tatami mats. The use of rammed earth walls, incorporating soil from the site, and solar-tiled roofs highlight the project's commitment to sustainability. Rainwater harvesting and passive cooling strategies further enhance the environmental integration.

## Design Highlights

Villas named ‘360,’ ‘270,’ and ‘180’ for their panoramic views Integration of local materials and traditional Japanese techniques Glass façades and Genshoseki slate floors inspired by Japanese design Sustainable features: solar tiles, rainwater harvesting, passive cooling

## Key Facts

Feature Detail
Location Sagi Island, Japan
Architect BIG
Year 2023
Site Area 30,000 m²
Number of Villas 3
Design Inspiration Scandinavian and Japanese

Technical Summary

Finishes

  • flooring: Genshoseki natural slate floors inspired by traditional Japanese tatami mats.

Materials

  • glass — façades and large windows to connect interior and exterior spaces.
  • clay — load-bearing curved walls using traditional rammed earth technique.
  • wood — ceilings and interior elements.
  • concrete — curved walls and structural elements.

Construction / Systems

  • structural system: Curved clay walls using rammed earth technique.
  • façade system: Glass façades inspired by shoji screens.

Products

  • Not specified

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: calm, serene, natural tones
  • Lighting: soft and natural, with emphasis on connecting indoor and outdoor spaces.

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