Dezeen Magazine

Suppose Design Office creates Hiroshima hotel complex targeted at cyclists

Japanese studio Suppose Design Office has converted a seafront warehouse into a specialist cycling centre with a hotel that allows guests to check-in while still on their bikes (+ sideshow).

Onomichi U2 by Suppose Design Office

Hotel Cycle forms part of Onomichi U2, a complex dedicated to cycling culture created by Suppose Design Office in a renovated warehouse in Onomichi – a coastal city in Hiroshima Prefecture.

Onomichi U2 by Suppose Design Office

"Many tourists, cyclists especially, visit Onomichi city, they have come to know it as the town with beautiful hills and 'machiya', which are Japanese-style houses of antiquity," said the architects.

Onomichi U2 by Suppose Design Office

The complex also includes a bike shop, a bar and restaurant, and a clothing shop that caters specifically to cyclists.

Onomichi U2 by Suppose Design Office

The architects retained the building’s original shell, exposing original brickwork and concrete.

Onomichi U2 by Suppose Design Office

"We incorporated elements into the recreation of the seaside warehouse that were reminiscent of the character of Onomichi itself," said the team.

Onomichi U2 by Suppose Design Office

"Our building materials – wood, mortar, and steel – recall the old houses of Onomichi and the shipbuilding that's been such a longstanding tradition there," they said.

Onomichi U2 by Suppose Design Office

A metal-framed staircase leads to the main concourse, while industrial-style light fittings were installed in the restaurant and bar, both intended to reference the city's shipbuilding history.

Onomichi U2 by Suppose Design Office

The hotel sits on one end of a central lobby and has 28 suites split across two levels. The upstairs rooms are accessed from a double staircase in the foyer.

Onomichi U2 by Suppose Design Office

Bedrooms come with wall hooks that allow guests to display their bicycles when not in use.

Onomichi U2 by Suppose Design Office

On the other side of the lobby, shop and restaurant areas are arranged with an open-plan layout that takes up the full height of the building.

Onomichi U2 by Suppose Design Office

Concrete columns help to partition different sections. Plants are interspersed throughout, and wooden furniture pieces are accompanied by wireframe shelving and lighting fixtures.

Onomichi U2 by Suppose Design Office

Both shops and the hotel can be accessed from the boardwalk as well as from the main road.

Onomichi U2 by Suppose Design Office

Onomichi U2 is the latest in a series of projects completed recently by Suppose Design Office, including a lifestyle store featuring raw industrial spaces and a new living room for a 35-year-old family house.

Onomichi U2 by Suppose Design Office
Ground floor plan – click for larger image
Onomichi U2 by Suppose Design Office
Cross section one – click for larger image
Onomichi U2 by Suppose Design Office
Cross section two – click for larger image