SEMBA plans and produces an ethical glamping facility at ISUMI Glamping Resort & Spa SOLAS
SEMBA Corporation, a spatial design company headquartered in Japan, was in charge of the masterplan, design, construction, landscape, and logo design of Dainichi Shoji K.K.’s new hotel business ISUMI Glamping Resort & Spa SOLAS in Isumi-shi, Chiba, which was newly opened in August 2022. Semba Incorporated its Ethical Design* philosophy into the facility, and produced a village-type lodging facility that provides a seamless flow through the outside and the inside, where people can enjoy the great nature and the starry skies.
１. A large spacious openspace with a ceiling height of over 9m blurs the boundary between the exterior and the interior.
By using full-height, openable glass windows and the large-span timber structure for the lobby lounge area, we created a space where one could experience the connection with nature unfolding outside the lobby.
【Interior decoration of white birch trees】
We used five meter-tall white birch trees with branches left on as an interior decoration. Although white birch is conventionally used as cheap raw materials for pulp and paper, here, the trees are given new value, raising awareness of sustainable forest resources. In collaboration with the Hokkaido Shirakaba Project, we studied ways of drying, processing, and manufacturing white birch over a period of about six months after the trees were cut down.
２. Ethical master planning and landscape design taking advantage of the shape of the site
●Overall landscape designa
Maximizing the existing natural environment, we organized an elaborate survey work, landscape design, and master planning. The landscape was planned with little impact on the natural environment, preserving the star gazing experience and utilizing the existing vegetation (for example, cherry blossoms).
●Bathing facility and sauna
Sauna tents, open-air baths, cold baths, outdoor air baths, and the authentic Finnish sauna are equipped for a luxuriously relaxing experience with an exquisite view of the natural landscape.
３. An ethical glamping resort adopting shipping containers
Shipping containers were used for the structures of some villas. Shipping container is an environmental-friendly structure due to its mobility, reusability, and ease of expansion and alteration.
【Advantages for using shipping containers】
- Due to its mobility, reusability, and ease of expansion and alteration, the amount of waste can be controlled for future renovations.
- Reduces waste from the construction site as the containers are off-site factory products.
- Shortens construction period to one-third of that for conventional hotel construction.
Shipping containers were used for the structures of some villas. Shipping container is an environmental-friendly structure due to its mobility, reusability, and ease of expansion and alteration.
【Advantages for using shipping containers】
- Due to its mobility, reusability, and ease of expansion and alteration, the amount of waste can be controlled for future renovations.
- Reduces waste from the construction site as the containers are off-site factory products.
- Shortens construction period to one-third of that for conventional hotel construction.
４. About ISUMI Glamping Resort & Spa SOLAS
A glamping and spa resort centred around the theme of coexistence with nature, Scandinavian atmosphere, and the starry sky. It is a retreat providing the ultimate resort experience, where one can forget the busy city life by spending time at the terrace and gardens, relishing the slow flow of time and the stunning views of the forests and starry sky.
Operation: Dainichi Shoji K.K.
Address: 1610-1 Shakayatsu, Isumi-shi, Chiba
Website: https://solas-glamping.jp/
Semba’s Zero Division of Ethical Design Unit, the leader of this project, is working to discover new business models that consider the future environment. Semba will continue to promote its ethical activities to achieve its mission “Creading Future Friendly Spaces” .
*About Ethical Design and Ethical Thinking
Semba has been exerting ethical activities since 2021. It promots the idea of Semba Ethical Design Thinking, where everyone at Sembais encouraged to start by “Rethinking” all of the space design processes from the perspective of compassion towards people, local communities, and the global environment. From 2022, it sets “Creating Future Friendly Spaces” as its corporate mission.
