Interior & Logo Design

Interior Design Concept

The Gate's new interior breathes life into the existing structure and reflects the building's storied past. Design cues combine the contemporary and the classic, a harmonious blend that feels instinctively familiar yet fresh and modern. SCDA focused on incorporating the five classical elements found in nature – air, earth, fire, water and space – into the design as distinctive features to excite the eyes and invigorate the senses.

The interior has been crafted to pay homage to the history of the building as the oldest concrete building in Kyoto, updated in a warm and sophisticated material palette designed to envelop guests in comfort. The materials used have been kept true to their inherent nature – wood is selected for its grain, colour and durability and stone is raw, natural and porous. The overall colour palette is refined and subtle, alluding to an inimitable elegance detected throughout the property.

A sculptural screen partition generates a sense of anticipation as guests enter through the school entrance preserved from the 1920s and continue on into the double-volume lounge. Upon arrival, a sense of grandeur is dramatized by the interaction of light and shadows on the wall and the ambient fireplace feature with panoramic glass. Original wall finishes have been retained, creating a stronger connection to the heritage of the site.

The design intent for the Guestrooms was to capture a snapshot of the beauty of calm serenity – a timeless aesthetic rooted in form and functionality. The layout of the room will encourage guests to move and interact in the space, ultimately drawing them towards the large windows with unobstructed scenic views, bathed in natural light. The structural geometry of traditional Japanese tea houses, coupled with the School’s original detailing - building cupboards, window handles and balusters - were used for sources of design inspiration. The composition and manipulation of materials is precise and intentional, chosen to reflect a rhythmic relationship with the sky on a bright sunny day and a clear winter’s night. Banners of colour accent the Guestroom walls, creating depth and a visual dynamism that ties the entire design together.

The public area on the 8th floor is oriented and aligned towards the Higashiyama mountain range, providing guests with the opportunity to enjoy the vista from the comfort of the outdoor terrace. Although it is a sprawling, lateral space, it is also intimate and convivial, designed to promote social interaction and to bring people together – an ideal place to meet and to relax in the city’s urban fabric.

The Gate Hotel is a place of refined luxury, specifically designed for the person seeking quality over quantity and sensibility over frivolity in every aspect of life. Contrary to the ‘more is more’ mentality that is pervasive in today’s society, The Gate exudes a quiet poise, accentuated by thoughtful and conscious detailing. The design of The Gate advocates living well without unnecessary complications, acting to enhance the quality of how guests feel, eat, sleep and interact during their visit. There is no distinction between hotel guest and hotel visitor – all guests are welcomed and invited to explore all that The Gate has to offer.

SCDA

Façade & Interior

SCDA

A natural extension of SCDA's multi-disciplinary practice, SCDA Interiors brings artisaned luxury to interior space, adopting a holistic approach that is distinctive yet in fluent harmony with architecture and landscape.
Employing more than 30 professionals at its three offices in Singapore, Shanghai and New York, the firm's diverse portfolio embodies bespoke style and crafted subtlety, spanning interior concepts, furniture and interior-related product design, including collaborations with premium brands and leading lifestyle personalities. Its designs grace the interiors of luxury condominiums, private houses, commercial properties, institutions, as well as luxury hotels and resorts across the globe.
Approaching each project with attention to light and space, and sensitivity to local cultures and traditions, SCDA Interiors strives for clarity and unity, authenticity and calmness. This is underpinned by refined craftsmanship and great delicacy in the details, infused with elemental expressions that add texture and warmth. The result is beautiful and inspired interior ensembles that exude an elegance that feels both timeless and relevant.

Soo K. Chan

Soo K. Chan is the founding principal and design director of SCDA, a design studio seamlessly integrating architecture, interior design, landscape architecture and product design to create holistic spatial experiences. SCDA has offices in Singapore, Shanghai and New York. The firm has designed in over 70 locations across Asia, Africa, Europe, Oceania and North America.

Soo Chan was the recipient of three American Institute of Architects (AIA) International and AIA NY Awards for Architecture, and three Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) International prizes, the President’s Design Award, and nine Chicago Athenaeum awards, amongst others. The works of SCDA has been published extensively and was presented at the Venice Biennale. He is a founding partner of Constructions Declare and design partner of US environmental group, Parley for the Oceans.

Soo Chan obtained his Master of Architecture degree at Yale. In addition to his design practice, he is a Professor of Architecture at the National University of Singapore and has taught and lectured at several international architecture schools.

Logo Concept

The symbol for THE GATE HOTEL uses the letter for "gate",
門 (mon) as it's motif, evolving it into a modern version of the letter.
The horizontal lines represent the floors, and the spaces between the floors represent
the unseen services which are performed.
The subdued gold color is the image of an elegant and calm ambience.

Logo & Graphics

Taku Satoh

A graphic designer active in multiple fields ranging from designing products for daily use to directing educational TV programmes and exhibitions. The elegant symbol of THE GATE HOTEL which embodies our spirit of hospitality is a design based on the shape of a gate.