Schemata Architects’ Hotel do-c Ebisu in Tokyo, reinvents a traditional capsule hotel, integrating retro aesthetics with contemporary design, while celebrating Japan’s sauna culture in a meticulously renovated space.
The project, unlike the modern, purpose-built structures typical of the "nine hours" chain, undertakes the ambitious task of revitalizing an existing capsule hotel. The challenge was not merely cosmetic; the architects had to reimagine the hotel’s identity while working within the constraints of the pre-existing beige capsules, a remnant of a bygone era in Japanese design. The approach was bold: instead of masking the outdated aesthetic, they used it as a foundational element, turning the retro beige into a defining characteristic of the new interior. This decision is emblematic of the project’s broader philosophy, where old and new are not just juxtaposed, but harmonized to create something distinctly contemporary.
The incorporation of saunas, a significant cultural reference point for Japan’s capsule hotels, was another key element in the transformation. Originally imported from Finland, the sauna has been deeply integrated into Japanese bathing culture, particularly through the ritual of alternating between heat and cold. Schemata Architects not only installed saunas where none existed but also employed the Finnish practice of "löyly," enhancing the authenticity of the experience. The inclusion of TOTO’s “Warm Pillar” faucets for cooling down after a sauna session underscores the project’s commitment to creating a space that is both functional and deeply resonant with cultural practices.
Architecturally, the project is marked by its meticulous attention to materiality and finish. The use of clear fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) in the transition spaces between the sauna and showers creates a seamless, waterproof environment that speaks to the project’s functional demands while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic. The building's exterior received equal attention; the architects stripped down the existing finishes to expose structural elements, which were then treated with anti-corrosive paint. This paint, doubling as the hotel’s signature color, binds the exterior’s utilitarian aspects with its new identity, ensuring that the building communicates its transformation not only through its interiors but also through its street-facing presence.
