Brooklyn-based design firm CRÈME has completed the design of Sheraton Kagoshima, the region’s first globally branded hotel.
Blending traditional Japanese customs with contemporary Western styles, the 228-room property from Marriott International boasts a vibrant lobby, diverse dining spaces, a spa, and event areas.
“I wanted to create an experience where you can immerse yourself in a unique environment that reflects local culture,” says Jun Aizaki, founder and principal of CRÈME. “I feel that we were able to create a hotel that offers a memorable experience.”
The lobby stands out as the hotel’s centerpiece, designed as a modern public square. “We divided the public square, the face of the hotel, into six different zones,” says CRÈME design director Kohji Kawabata. “By arranging them, we hope to create a cozy and comfortable atmosphere in each area, and create a new society and community for each guest who visits the hotel.”
The space features a double-height atrium with a striking greenery wall, abundant natural light, and reception counters constructed in traditional Japanese rammed-earth style, inspired by Kagoshima’s geological formations. Custom double-height murals by New York artists Fanny Allié and Yael Caffrey round out the lobby experience.
Adjacent to the atrium, &More by Sheraton functions as a bar, coffee bar, and market. Shelving in the main café dining area displays local crafts, such as incense boxes and custom Chosa dolls, while recessed tile niches on the back wall of the banquette seating area showcase illuminated Satsuma Kiriko glasses and local ceramics.
Signature restaurant Flying Hog Grill pays homage to Kagoshima’s connection with volcanic ash, donned in black accents and mountain-inspired motifs. Details are influenced by Kagoshima craft, including artwork inspired by Oshima Tsumugi kimono fabrics and live edge Yakusugi cedar-inspired tabletops. The adjacent bar, Vivarium, features suspended greenery, an onsite greenhouse, and upholstered mint-toned lounge chairs.
The Sheraton Club Lounge takes inspiration from the Shimazu clan house, integrating Kagoshima’s traditional crafts into the lighting, screen design, wall paneling, and floor patterns. For instance, the custom reception desk is accentuated by an oversized fabric artwork created using the Dorozome dyeing technique.
Inspired by traditional engawas, the fifth-floor spa offers modern relaxation with monolithic surfaces and minimalistic design. Sheraton Kagoshima also includes event spaces, like a ballroom, bridal salon, and lounge, all influenced by Japan’s topography, craft traditions, and culture.
“Having grown up in Kagoshima, I am proud to be part of the team that brought this amazing international hotel to life in my hometown,” Masako Fukuoka, studio director of CRÈME, adds. “I feel it epitomizes the great spirit of Kagoshima. The design is modern, yet warm and thoughtful, creating an atmosphere of hospitality and inclusiveness that warmly welcomes locals and travelers alike.”
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