Hotel in Ikebukuro, Sustainable and traditional building

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The former Chang Tee Hotel building in the vibrant district of Ikebukuro in Tokyo was once an integral part of the city's life. This district, known for the Sunshine City complex, numerous anime and manga stores, and the Metropolitan Theater, is a hub of culture and bustling city life. Its proximity to Ikebukuro Station, one of the world's largest train stations, made the Chang Tee Hotel a central point for both travelers and locals.

The transformation of this historic site into a new, sustainable building reflects the dynamic evolution of Ikebukuro. On a plot area of 365 square meters, a medium-height, three-story building has been created that integrates harmoniously with the surrounding buildings. Its architecture provides a haven of tranquility amidst Tokyo's pulsating megastructure and serves as an oasis of relaxation for guests.

The essential work involved investigating and understanding Japanese culture and transferring it to the new building, the hotel. In Japan, a house is not just a house. The general term for traditional residential houses is Minka (民家). These Minka are divided into Nōka (農家), traditional farmhouses, and Machiya (町家/町屋) for traditional townhouses. All Minka were and are primarily bourgeois residential houses.

Nōka were made of wood, bamboo, clay, grass, and straw, and are usually built on a framework to protect against flooding and earthquakes. Almost every Nōka includes an enclosed or walled garden. The townhouses, known as Machiya, are usually located directly on the streets and often have a dual function as residential and commercial buildings. They are often elongated in layout and have a small yard or garden at the back, which usually separates a small storage area from the living space.

A traditional Japanese house is made of wood, bamboo, and paper. Interior walls and sometimes parts of the exterior walls can be used like sliding doors, allowing for flexible use of space. Typical are narrow, covered verandas around the entire house, called Engawa (縁側). Traditional Japanese houses are usually built on a 50-80 cm high framework to protect against earthquakes. A walled garden is a typical part of a Japanese house.

The hotel was also to include a Sento, a traditional Japanese bathhouse. Sentōs play an important role in Japanese daily culture. They are meeting places and have a social function. The bathing culture in Sentōs is complex and follows certain rules and procedures.

The newly designed Chang Tee Hotel consists of two interconnected building parts. The connection is made through architecturally appealing bridges, while access to the hotel rooms is via open, green arcades. This greening not only improves air quality but also gives the building a new appearance with each season.

Special attention was given to the design of the open spaces, conceived as traditional Japanese gardens. These gardens serve as quiet buffer zones to the bustling surroundings and include elements such as stones, moss, trees, and water. A prominent feature is the Japanese red pine, a symbol of longevity. The central nature pond forms the heart of the complex and creates a link between the building parts, providing habitat for birds and fish.

This newly designed hotel building represents not only the principles of sustainability and environmental protection but also the connection to Japanese culture and tradition. It stands as an example of how modern design and traditional elements can coexist harmoniously in an urban environment to create unique, livable spaces.

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