Osaka, Japan – As the debut property of a new hotel brand by Palace Hotel Group and the first project in Japan for one of the world’s foremost interior architectural designers, Zentis Osaka strums a rather singular chord in a city well-known for both its industrious charm and distinctive hospitality.

Subtly edgy, wonderfully Japanese and naturally resplendent, Osaka’s first addition to the bespoke collection of Design Hotels opened in July 2020 with interiors fashioned by UK-based Tara Bernerd & Partners.

“Craftsmanship and industrial heritage are key elements of the local culture, so we sought to encapsulate both through the mixture of materials chosen and the contemporary approach with which we applied them to this project,” explained Bernerd.

The materials: exposed bricks, timber beams, ceppo stone, structural ironmongery and a sculptural, blue-limestone staircase situated at the heart of the arrival experience –complemented by an earthy palette of taupes and ivory and accentuated by warm pops of honey, ochre, sage and steel-blue. Light fixtures harkening back to mid-century designs complete Bernerd’s vision for a boutique look that encapsulates industrial chic and approachable luxury.     

“For the exterior, we opted for a grid design to reflect the structured nature of business, as the hotel borders the business district of Dojimahama,” said Kouichiro Shiomi, group leader for Kajima Design’s Osaka division. “And then we chose brick, with a predominantly glass façade for the first two levels, to complement the abundance of greenery that surrounds and to soften the building’s overall look. This also gives it a more relaxed vibe, which is more in tune with the entertainment district of Kita-shinchi that the hotel also borders,” added Kouichiro.