#Japan #Tokyo #Kyoto University #Tokyo Minowa #ROLES

CLASS Tokyo Minowa Project: A Sustainable Revolution in Urban Hospitality

In a move that redefines urban hospitality, the CLASS Tokyo Minowa project has officially commenced in the heart of Minowa, Tokyo. This groundbreaking initiative introduced by ROLES Inc. deviates from traditional demolition and reconstruction practices, instead opting for a philosophy of preservation and reconstruction. This strategy not only preserves the urban landscape but also minimizes environmental impact by reusing existing structures.

Project Framework

Located in Taitō City, near Minowa Station, this environmentally conscious apartment hotel will feature 17 rooms and an additional concept room. The hotel is designed with sustainability at its core, utilizing existing foundation piles from previous structures, thereby significantly reducing the Life Cycle CO₂ emissions associated with construction. The project collaborates closely with Nakano Fudo Construction and Koshigoe Kota Architectural Design Office, marking the first hotel in Tokyo to implement such innovative reuse practices.

The facility's design incorporates rich historical context, situated at an intersection of major thoroughfares—Showa, Kokusai, and Kanesugi. The area retains much of its historical character, reflecting Tokyo’s traditional merchant town history. Nearby, notable local businesses such as Hangetsudo and Kintaroame Honten, beloved by residents, further enrich the neighborhood’s cultural tapestry.

Community Engagement

One of the most notable features of the CLASS Tokyo Minowa hotel is its commitment to being an open community space. The ground floor will host a “town's engawa,” or a welcoming area where not just guests but also locals can gather. This design fosters a nurturing environment for both travelers and residents—promoting interaction and blending the realms of tourism and everyday life perfectly.

Collaboration with Academia

In a unique academic partnership, ROLES is collaborating with the Graduate School of Architecture at Kyoto University to hold a participatory architectural competition. This initiative aims to engage the next generation of architects in reimagining the building’s design, room layouts, and its integration with the community. This collaboration will help define not only the hotel’s physical structure but also its operational dynamics, ensuring that it resonates well with both guests and the locality.

By innovating how the ground floor connects the public with hotel operations, the project embodies flexibility and creativity, contributing towards a holistic experience—transforming it from a mere lodging facility to a vibrant community hub integrated with the city itself.

Vision for the Future

As a focal development in ROLES's strategic planning, the CLASS Tokyo Minowa hotel exemplifies the company's philosophy of urban co-existence and sustainability. The project is anticipated to complete construction by the end of January 2027, with its official opening scheduled for March 2027. The shift from being a mere construction company to a space that designs immersive stay experiences is a key milestone in ROLES’s journey.

This hotel aims to be a living, breathing part of Minowa, symbolizing a significant evolution in urban hospitality, where the past meets the future in a responsible and environmentally friendly manner. As the project unfolds, it reinforces ROLES’s commitment to nurturing partnerships with generations to come, ideally setting a new standard for future urban developments.

Project Overview:

• - Project Name: CLASS Tokyo Minowa
• - Location: 5-chome, Negishi, Taitō, Tokyo
• - Purpose: Hotel
• - Structure: Steel frame, 10 stories above ground
• - Unique Features:

- Reuse of existing foundation piles in collaboration with Nakano Fudo Construction and Koshigoe Kota Architectural Design Office
- Academic collaboration with Kyoto University
- A community-focused ground floor design

• - Completion Date: End of January 2027
• - Opening Date: End of March 2027
• - Design and Construction Management: Koshigoe Kota Architectural Design Office
• - Construction: Nakano Fudo Construction
• - Management: ROLES Inc.

Collaborative Partners:

• - Nakano Fudo Construction
• - Koshigoe Kota Architectural Design Office
• - Kyoto University Graduate School of Architecture, Komiyama Laboratory