Project Name: Hakusha-no-Ma (White Sand Room)

Location: Ibusuki City, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan

Design Team: atelier SALAD

Project Area: 88㎡

Completion: April 2024

Construction: Design Office SHIROYAMA

Lighting Design: Filaments Inc.

Graphic Design: PRISMIC DESIGN

FFE and Book Selection: OWL

Photography: Kenta Hasegawa

Feature：

Project - In the serene coastal city of Ibusuki, Kagoshima, architects Hiroko Kakoi and Kohei Tokunaga of atelier SALAD have transformed a room at the historic Ibusuki Hakusuikan inn into a contemplative retreat that pays homage to the region's unique sand bath culture. The "Hakusha-no-Ma" (White Sand Room) represents a sophisticated reimagining of luxury hospitality that bridges traditional Japanese design with contemporary wellness concepts.

The 88-square-meter space draws inspiration from Ibusuki's famous sand baths, where visitors are buried in naturally heated volcanic sand for therapeutic purposes. This distinctive local practice informed the architects' approach to creating what they describe as "a sense of returning to life's origins" within the room's design. The result is a fluid, multi-level environment that employs materials and textures evoking the tactile quality of sand, while maximizing views of the serene inland sea.

The room's innovative spatial organization features several distinct yet interconnected zones. The "Tori-doma" entrance area doubles as a cultural space, with built-in bookshelves showcasing local crafts and literature. The central space is anchored by a sculptural bed frame that does more than just define the sleeping area – it creates a subtle spatial hierarchy and includes a cleverly integrated workstation, acknowledging modern travelers' needs. A slightly elevated tatami area, "Koagari," offers a meditative space overlooking the ocean, while the sunken "Hanare-doma" provides an intimate setting for evening drinks or morning coffee rituals.

What sets this project apart is its thoughtful integration of traditional elements with contemporary needs. Custom sliding doors with embedded rails in the ceiling can transform the space from private to open-plan, while their lattice design cleverly incorporates the letters "HAKU SHA" as an artistic element that glows like a lantern. This project represents a pivotal moment for traditional Japanese inns, demonstrating how authentic cultural experiences can be reinterpreted through sophisticated architectural design to create a new standard of mindful luxury.

Design Team – Founded in 2021 in Kagoshima, Japan, atelier SALAD is an emerging architectural practice led by the husband-and-wife team of Hiroko Kakoi and Kohei Tokunaga. The firm's name cleverly represents their philosophy: Social And Local Architecture Design, emphasizing their commitment to creating spaces that are as diverse, fresh, and vibrant as a salad.

The studio's principals bring rich international experience to their practice. Hiroko Kakoi, a graduate of Kyushu University's Architecture Department, honed her skills at SUPPOSE DESIGN OFFICE before co-founding atelier SALAD. Kohei Tokunaga, also a Kyushu University alumnus with a master's degree in Human-Environment Studies, contributed his expertise through work at KMS Shanghai from 2015 to 2020. As a registered first-class architect (License No. 383345) and Junior Member of the Japan Institute of Architects, Tokunaga brings technical precision to the firm's creative vision.

The practice has quickly gained recognition in Japan's architectural scene, earning multiple accolades including two prestigious Japan Space Design Awards 2024 for their work on Yakushi Onsen and Ibusuki Hakusuikan Hakusha-no-Ma, as well as the Nagoya Mosaic Tile Design Award 2023. Their design methodology extends beyond traditional architectural services, encompassing a holistic approach from conceptual planning through post-completion engagement. The firm's philosophy centers on creating deeply contextual architecture that establishes meaningful relationships with its surroundings while remaining socially and environmentally conscious.