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BLINK Design Group, the creative Singapore-based interior design studio, is celebrating its latest success after it was announced that ROKU KYOTO, the elegant luxury resort nestled at the foot of the Takagamine mountains in Japan, has won a prestigious KOHLER Bold Design Award.
ROKU KYOTO became Hilton’s first LXR Hotels & Resorts branded hotel in Asia Pacific when it opened its doors in autumn 2021. This luxury label is only conferred on the finest five-star properties in alluring locations around the world, so BLINK had a responsibility to ensure that this project showcased the spirit of the brand and the essence of its destination.
Being honored with an “Interior Design Award” in the “Travel: Resort” category is a reflection of the project’s success, and how well it has been received by guests and the industry alike.
Named after the time-honoured artisan tradition of paper making, ROKU KYOTO was inspired by the beauty and simplicity of Japanese craftsmanship. In line with this design ethos, BLINK strived to weave the local aesthetic into every aspect of the resort’s interiors, from the arrival lobby and pavilion-style dining area to the wooden tea lounge, the serene spa and of course, all 114 contemporary rooms and suites which range from 50-110 square meters in size and exude a sense of minimalistic grace.
This tranquil sanctuary also blends seamlessly with its surroundings, which have influenced artists for centuries. By embracing natural materials such as bamboo and wood, and using glass walls and panoramic windows to frame breath-taking views of the forested hills and Tenjin River from all areas of the resort, ROKU KYOTO feels at one with the environment.
“We are thrilled to win the KOHLER Bold Design Award for ROKU KYOTO, which is one of our most important projects to date. As the first LXR branded resort in Asia Pacific, we knew that Hilton and the owners were seeking a one-of-a-kind design concept – a resort that would stand out from the crowd while also blending into the landscape. We took inspiration from Kyoto’s rich heritage, organic beauty and Zen philosophy to create a concept that is both authentic and elegant, while also being cutting-edge and contemporary,” said Clint Nagata, Founder & Creative Partner, BLINK Design Group.
He explained that it is always wonderful to receive recognition and the KOHLER Bold Design Awards are among the most illustrious honors in the industry. I would like to thank our talented creative team and all our partners for helping to bring this exceptional resort to life.
The KOHLER Bold Design Awards is one of the most prominent design competitions for hospitality, residential and commercial property professionals in Asia Pacific. It serves as a platform to showcase the top talents in their field and the winners are selected by a jury of renowned international designers and independent experts.
The “Travel: Resort” award achieved by ROKU KYOTO recognizes the project’s positive contribution to hospitality design and the advancement of the guest experience. The category was open to the most spectacular resorts in Asia Pacific rated as four-star and above. [sources/photo special]
