Inaugural NOT A HOTEL design competition crowns winners

A Grand Prize winner and four Excellence honorees have just been named at the culmination of the first-ever NOT A HOTEL design competition called by the Japanese vacation stays platform. The competition is aimed at architects and creators under the age of 40 interested in selling their speculative designs for a secluded retreat located at the foot of Mt. Asama, Japan. 

The Grand Prize entry will be realized and later put for sale on the market as the next accommodation in the four-year-old brand's rather luminous portfolio of high-end designs, which includes names like BIG and Sou Fujimoto. A total of 620 entries from 23 different countries were submitted from around the world for a chance at the honor. 

Mohamed Hassan Elgendy and Nahed Zmeter of the Milan practice UNFORMED emerged as the winners. On behalf of the duo, Elgendy said: "This recognition undoubtedly marks a significant milestone in my career. I believe one of the reasons my proposal was selected lies in its clear and compelling concept, which resonated strongly and was easy to understand. As I work toward realizing the project, I plan to further develop this concept, staying true to its harmony with nature while enhancing its beauty."

Grand Prize - NATURE WITHIN by Mohamed Hassan Elgendy and Nahed Zmeter (Italy)

Excellence Prize - "NOT" is MORE by Satoshi Takae and Takaaki Murakami (Japan)

Excellence Prize - MOGURI by Masato Takahashi and Yuka Hanawa (Japan)

Excellence Prize - Ambience by Georgina Baronian and Sam Clovis (United States)

Excellence Prize - IWA by Joanna Maria Lesna (United Kingdom)