In the age of globalization, when people are no longer confined to the borders of their home countries, the idea of a home is no longer limited to only one geographic location. With new concepts of homeownership on the rise, Not a Hotel is a pioneer company focusing on the co-ownership model in Japan. Inspired by mottainai (Japanese: “what a waste”)—a Japanese philosophy of waste praised by environmentalists around the world—Not a Hotel offers a new system of buying a home away from home to utilize overconsumption in the real estate market.
Due to the threat of natural disasters, houses in Japan are built to last only a few decades. Not a Hotel tackles the local issue by building sustainable houses that can last over a century. By implementing solar panels into the surface of the roof—imitating the look of traditional Japanese kawara tiled roofs—Not a Hotel proves that the balance of exceptional design and environmental consciousness can be attained in modern architecture.
Besides addressing environmental issues in their design, Not a Hotel also focuses on building properties in areas outside of more popular tourist cities. It helps homeowners acquire places in unique locations that provide picturesque scenery, that have not been challenged by overtourism. By focusing on building homes in the regional areas of Japan that have faced economic and demographic challenges, Not a Hotel also prioritizes creating projects that conform to the environment and don’t interrupt the natural beauty of these hidden gem areas.
Recently Japan has seen an increased number of tourists, with many more choosing to have a vacation home in Japan to retreat to and expand their worldview. This is why Not a Hotel’s concept is becoming more popular, as it allows stakeholders to discover Japan and its hospitality, create new cultural exchanges with local communities, and connect Japan’s less-explored parts with the global market.
Over 20 projects have been built and sold out by Not a Hotel already, with one more, Not a Hotel Setouchi designed by Bjarke Ingels Group, currently going through the second phase of sales, and two more, Not a Hotel Tokyo directed by NIGO and Not a Hotel Rusutsu designed by Snohetta, with the opening of sales being expected in the nearest future. Each house was designed and built by creatives and industry pioneers with architectural visions creating not just a luxury real estate but a livable art.
Providing innovative architecture and high-quality craftsmanship, Not a Hotel creates masterpiece houses equipped with cutting-edge technology and sustainable design encouraging owners to be socially responsible towards the surrounding communities.
