【ホテル探訪】湖畔に佇む絶景温泉「界 ポロト」アイヌ文化×建築を堪能 [星野リゾート]

【ホテル探訪】湖畔に佇む絶景温泉「界 ポロト」アイヌ文化×建築を堪能 [星野リゾート]

Hello everyone, this is architect Okada from Vacation! 🌞 Today, I’m visiting Shiraoi Town, Hokkaido. Surrounded by lush forests and Lake Poroto, this tranquil hot spring resort is a haven for the indigenous Ainu people. The area is known for its deep-rooted culture, where the spirit of living in harmony with nature is ingrained in the lives and culture of the local people. The design and philosophy of the Ainu’s traditional dwelling, the “cise,” are a symbol of the region and are passed down through cultural facilities such as the “Upopoy” cultural facility. With the memory of this land as a backdrop, the hot spring inn “Kai Poroto” opened in 2022. It’s a special place where nature and culture harmonize on the lakeside. Let’s take a look at what kind of space you’ll encounter here. Located on the shores of Lake Poroto in Shiraoi Town, Hokkaido, “Kai Poroto” is part of the “Kai” hot spring inn brand by Hoshino Resorts. It opened in 2022. It’s approximately a 40-minute drive from New Chitose Airport. This area is known as a sacred place for Ainu culture, and this spirit is deeply ingrained in the hotel’s architecture and design. The hotel was designed by Hiroshi Nakamura of NAP Architects. The design is characterized by a modern reinterpretation of local culture while harmonizing with nature. Let’s take a look at this special space where architecture and nature intertwine. Proceeding through the entrance, the approach gently winds around a garden decorated with birch logs. This comfortable space quietly welcomes guests , incorporating elements of Hokkaido’s majestic nature . The exposed concrete wall directly in front of the entrance features a design in which birch logs are used as formwork to transfer the birch pattern. It’s an impressive expression, as if engraving the memory of natural materials into the architecture. Directly in front of the entrance is a sunken lounge with a striking copper-finished fireplace. Guests can relax and enjoy the serene view of the rippling water outside the large windows . Ainu homes have an apeoi (irori) hearth at the center of life, and this space, designed to inherit that spirit, features a scenery that changes depending on the time of day and angle, as well as the flickering flames, warmly immersing guests in their interactions. You can also go out to the outdoor deck, so be sure to check it out. In front of you is a view of Hokkaido’s forests and the calm waters of Lake Poroto, which is brought into the property. The organically shaped building in the background is a bathhouse where you can enjoy the hot springs. Its impressive presence, which seems to blend in with the beautiful nature without disturbing it, is a symbol of the facility. I’d like to take a closer look later. As soon as you arrive at the hotel, you’ll feel as if your mind is naturally loosened, creating a relaxing experience. To the left of the Sunken Lounge is the reception counter. The counter’s waist-high wall is decorated with a design based on a kayak oar, adding an accent to the space. The waiting area, featuring birch trees and a large, solid-plank bench, creates an impressive design that gently brings the outdoors into the interior. Next to it is a shop space offering Hokkaido-inspired souvenirs and traditional Ainu crafts. I decided to take home this adorable wooden carving of a bear by Ainu craftsman Yuji Yamada as a memento of my trip . Next, to the right of the Sunken Lounge, you’ll find the Travel Library. This quiet, tranquil space evokes the feeling of being in a birch forest. The shelves here are lined with books on local history, culture, nature, and the stories and crafts of the region. Eight types of herbal tea, including birch, rosehip, and cornflower, are available, and guests are welcome to blend and enjoy. This is a place to spend a peaceful moment, filling the gaps in your travels. The graphic signs throughout the building are also beautifully designed with Ainu patterns. Now, let’s head to our rooms. Take the elevator to the fourth floor and walk down the hallway to your guest room. The room sign, with its striking design using light and shadow, also features a striking design. KAI Poroto offers five types of guest rooms, including Western-style rooms, dog rooms, Western-style rooms with open-air baths, and special rooms. This time, we’ll be staying in a corner Western-style room. Let’s take a look. Located at the corner of the guest room building, this spacious 71-square-meter room can accommodate up to four guests. Going through the hallway, you’ll find a spacious living space with two large windows, creating a sense of openness. The lake-view room features birch logs, incorporating elements of Hokkaido’s majestic nature into the room while creating a sense of unity with Lake Poroto, which stretches out before you. The interior is inspired by the traditional Ainu dwelling known as a cise, and the central table and sofa are designed with the apeoi (hearth) that was once the center of a cise as a motif. The table is lit with a soft light reminiscent of a bonfire. The walls and cushions are subtly decorated with Ainu patterns, and the local culture is evident in the artwork and material selection. Opening this drawer reveals a minibar. Hot drinks like ginger tea are available, and the refrigerator is stocked with Hokkaido-style soft drinks and wine. Next, let’s take a look at the bedroom, located on the left side of the hallway. This spacious, fully private room features four single beds. A square window offers a serene view of the neighboring Upopoy building and Lake Poroto. Finally, let’s take a look at the bathroom. This is the sink and shower area. As a hotel with a hot spring, the amenities here are minimal. Amenities like toothbrushes are wrapped in this furoshiki, perfect for carrying to the hot springs or dinner. Before enjoying the hot springs, we took a moment to relax and enjoy the view of Lake Poroto. Now, let’s finally explore the hot springs. Poroto Kai offers two bathhouses with distinct atmospheres. Let’s start with “Triangle Bath,” located in the organic-looking building whose exterior we saw earlier. This bathhouse is modeled after the “kucha,” a temporary hut used by the Ainu people for bear hunting and salmon fishing. Its striking appearance, blending seamlessly into the natural surroundings, is striking. Entering the entrance, which opens out like a triangular sill, we remove our shoes and step inside, where a spectacular view of Lake Poroto unfolds beyond the triangular window. This space is modeled after the “ketunni” structure of the “kucha” temporary hut. Built in the traditional style of three logs joined at the sides, the entire space is shaped like an inverted triangular pyramid. True to its name, “Triangle Bath,” triangular motifs are scattered throughout. The hot spring area, also inverted triangular pyramid-shaped, exudes a sense of spaciousness and a unique sense of calm. The spring water is a rare “moor hot spring,” known worldwide for its amber-colored waters containing organic matter derived from plants, leaving skin feeling smooth and silky after a bath. There’s also an open-air bath at the back of the indoor bath. This open- air bath offers a view of Lake Poroto, changing with the seasons. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience , with a sense of openness that makes you feel one with Lake Poroto and Hokkaido’s nature . As you immerse yourself in the warm water, you can enjoy a tranquil, luxurious time, as if you’re one with Lake Poroto. After your bath, roasted green tea, blackcurrant vinegar, and even popsicles are available. It’s so refreshing to slowly cool down your heated body while gazing out at Lake Poroto. Next, let’s take a look at the other large bath, “Maru no Yu.” While the open-air “△ Yu” stands out on the lake, “〇 Yu” is designed as an enveloping space, almost like being inside a cave. The dome ceiling of the indoor bath features a circular hole that connects to the natural surroundings, allowing soft light to stream in. The ability to enjoy two different baths is one of the hotel’s unique charms. While we were enjoying the hot springs and relaxing, it was time for dinner. Hoshino Resorts’ “Kai” brand offers not only hot springs, but also cuisine that incorporates the local culinary culture. I’m excited to see how I’ll be able to enjoy the seasonal flavors unique to Shiraoi tonight. The dining area has semi-private rooms that give a sense of privacy, so we can enjoy our meal in a relaxed atmosphere . Here’s the menu for tonight’s dinner: a seasonal kaiseki meal featuring an abundance of Hokkaido’s seasonal ingredients. I can’t wait to see what dishes will be served. And, since local dishes are paired with local sake , we decided to pair them with some local Hokkaido sake. The children’s meal arrived first. A three-tiered Japanese meal, visually appealing and delighting the kids. Each dish perfectly brought out the flavors of Hokkaido ingredients, and each dish was a wonderful experience, allowing us to experience the season in a truly relaxing setting. Enjoying a relaxing dinner is truly a luxury you can only experience on a trip. After dinner, I’d like to soak in the hot springs again and enjoy a quiet evening. So, what did you think of KAI Poroto? Quietly nestled on the lakeside, its space, designed to blend the Ainu spirit with Hokkaido’s natural beauty, was a special hot spring inn where you could lose track of time and truly relax. Not only was the architecture beautiful, but the respect for the land was evident in every aspect of the bathhouses, guest rooms, and meals. I believe this is a place where you can experience the Ainu philosophy of living in harmony with nature in a modern way. I’m sure it would take on a completely different look in winter, surrounded by the mystical snow-covered scenery . I’d love to visit again if I have the chance . In this channel, architect Osamu Okada travels around Japan and abroad to explore hotels and buildings, searching for inspiration for a richer life, while introducing beautiful architecture and interiors on a “design journey.” If you’re interested in travel, architecture, and design, please subscribe and like the channel. See you in the next video! Thank you.

☟探訪先： 界 ポロト（星野リゾート）
https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/kaiporoto/

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みなさんこんにちは、建築家のバカンス、岡田です🌞
今回は、北海道・白老町、ポロト湖のほとりに佇む温泉旅館「界 ポロト」を訪れました。建築設計は NAP建築設計事務所・中村拓志さん。アイヌの精神と北海道の自然を現代的に再解釈した、美しい建築が魅力です。
琥珀色のモール温泉を源泉かけ流しで楽しめる湯小屋や、湖を望む客室、北海道の旬を味わうなど、建築・文化・自然が一体となった特別な滞在を紹介します。

「建築家のバカンス」では、建築家・岡田宰が国内外のホテルや建築をめぐり、
豊かな暮らしのヒントを探しながら、
美しい建築やインテリアを紹介する “デザインの旅” をお届けします。

チャンネル登録・高評価もぜひお願いします🌞

【おすすめ動画】
ACEHOTEL編はこちら↓

K5 HOTEL編はこちら↓

沖縄編第1弾:YAWN YARD KOURI ISLAND編はこちら↓

沖縄編第弾:青と碧と白と沖縄編はこちら↓

ししいわハウス編(軽井沢)はこちら↓

沼津倶楽部編ははこちら↓

HACIENDA VISON編はこちら↓

バンヤンツリー東山京都はこちら↓

ホテル虎ノ門ヒルズ編はこちら↓

チャンネル登録・高評価、ぜひよろしくお願いします🏖
コメントもお待ちしています🖋
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwW2xPKd_epsuAx1gWLIoEg

【タイムスタンプ/Time Table】
00:00 ハイライト/ Highlights
00:51 オープニング/ introduction
02:10 エントランス / Entrance
03:45 ラウンジ / Lounge
05:21 レセプション / Reception
06:13 Travel Library
07:33 ルームツアー / Room Tour
11:26 温泉 / Onsen
16:47 夕食 / Dinne
22:59 朝食 / Moring

【SNS】
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■note
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建築家の豊かな暮らしと働き方

■Instagram
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建築家の暮らしとデザインの日々

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建築家・岡田宰による環境配慮型アウトドアブランド

【プロフィール/ Profile】
岡田宰 / Tsukasa Okada

一級建築士, 1984年浜松生まれ。
建築設計事務所 2id Architects (ツーアイディーアーキテクツ)代表取締役。
グッドデザイン賞など国内外の権威あるデザイン賞を多数受賞。
住宅・別荘・店舗・幼稚園など多数のプロジェクトが進行中。
主な作品にJINS西条、白岩の家、双葉保育園などがある。
東京-浜松の2拠点生活中。良い建築家の前に” 良き生活者 “を目指し 、
豊かな暮らしと働き方を探求中。
2021年 環境配慮型アウトドアブランド「we know enough＜」を設立。

First-Class Architect, born in Hamamatsu in 1984.
CEO of the architectural design firm 2id Architects.
Recipient of numerous prestigious design awards, including the Good Design Award.
Currently involved in various projects, including houses, vacation homes, commercial spaces, and kindergartens.
Notable works include JINS Saijo, Shiraiwa House, and Futaba Nursery School.
Based in both Tokyo and Hamamatsu, he strives to be not only a “good architect” but also a “good dweller,”
pursuing a fulfilling way of living and working.
In 2021, he founded the environmentally conscious outdoor brand we know enough＜

■Works
2id Architects : https://www.2id-arch.com/

we know enough＜ : https://www.weknowenough.com/

■受賞歴 / Award
2023 キッズデザイン賞 [we know enough＜ / mikke ]
2022 グッドデザイン賞 [we know enough＜ / 焚火台 ]
2021 ABB LEAF Awards “入選” [ 白岩の家 / Dan Dan Dan House ]
2020 DFA Design for Asia Awards “入選” [ Dan Dan Dan House ]
2020 DFA Design for Asia Awards “銅賞” [ 白岩の家 ]
2020 日本空間デザイン賞 “Best 100” [ 白岩の家 ]
2020 Asia Design Prize “大賞” [ 白岩の家 ]
2020 A’Design Award & Competition “銀賞”　 [ 白岩の家 ]
2018 Dezeen Awards 受賞 – Workspace Interior of the Year [ 中庭のあるオフィス ]