concrete Designs Interior for Japan’s First W Hotel

Osaka, Japan

Located in Osaka, Set to Open its Doors in March 2021

Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2020-12-08 – 

The busy urban streetscape of Osaka welcomes concrete’s latest interior project: W’s first hotel in Japan. With a total of 337 guest rooms & suites, W Osaka asserts its presence with a 27-story high-rise building by Nikken and a black monolith facade designed by Tadao Ando. Created for Sekisui House and Marriott International, and in collaboration with Nikken an Nikken Space Design, the building is due to open in March 2021.

Storytelling: ‘extravagant simplicity’

Concrete’s team of Dutch designers explored Osaka’s past, present, and future, its urban and natural landscapes, and its fascinating culture. Visually, they discovered that Osaka is water and nature – but also neon and bright colors. Struck by the contrast between the aesthetic of Japanese minimalism and the extravagance of an urban world saturated with colors. Especially in downtown Osaka an Dotonbori – Osaka’s nightlife district – the display of flashing neon is breathtakingly vivid and joyful. The goal is to share the spirit of the city with the guests of W Osaka. And let the interior of the hotel tell a story that is truly Osaka. Celebrating the opposing – yet complementary – forces of extravagance and simplicity.

The sprawling metropolis of Osaka was once the imperial capital of Japan and the country’s economic hub. At its heart, the wide Yodo River flows into a harbor bustling with trade. Throughout its history, visitors contributed their cultures and technologies to the city – creating a prosperous port with an extroverted, lively, and somewhat rebellious culture. All of this energy attracts international businesses and visitors. Concrete’s team of Dutch designers explored Osaka’s past, present, and future, its urban and natural landscapes, and its fascinating culture.

Technical sheet

Project team: Rob Wagemans, Bart de Beer, Julia Hundermark, Sofie Ruytenberg, Cathelijne Vreugdenhil, Femke Zumbrink, Marlou Spierts, Minouk Balster, Valentina Venturi, Petra Moerbeek, Erik van Dillen

Developer: Sekisui House
Architect of record: Nikken Sekkei with Tadao Ando (façade)
Interior designer: Concrete
Graphic & signage designer: Concrete
Styling: Concrete
Executive interior designer: Nikken Space Design
Purchasing agent: Crosslink Corporation
Specialist joinery: PLUS furniture company, idc-Otsuka
Lighting consultant: LPA lighting
Specialist lighting: Koizumi, Daiko lighting

Bespoke artwork: eBoy (guestrooms), Sigrid Calon (suites), Lok Jansen (sushi restaurant)

Total area: 37.000 m2
Total floors: 27
Total rooms: 337

Address:  Hotel W Osaka
4-1-3 Minami Senba, Chuo-ku,
542-0081 Osaka- Japan

About concrete

Since 1997 concrete develops concepts in architecture, interior design, urban development, and brand development. We work with a team of 50 multidisciplinary creatives for corporations and institutions. Next to W Osaka, Projects include W Hotels in London and Verbier, citizenM hotels worldwide, Zoku Lofts, Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady, Mongkok Skypark, Andaz Munchen, and more.

For more information

1. www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/osaow-…
2. www.concreteamsterdam.nl/hotel-w-osaka