Positioned in Tokyo’s fashionable Shibuya district, the as-yet unnamed luxury hotel – the fifth property in The House Collective portfolio – is expected to be an inspiring and peaceful retreat from the city. Editor Hamish Kilburn writes…
Swire Hotels has announced a collaboration with Tokyu Corporation and Tokyu Department Store (together, Tokyu Group) and L Catterton Real Estate (LCRE) for a new luxury hotel in Tokyo under The House Collective brand, as part of a prestigious and striking mixed-used development.
Architectural design of the project is being led by Snøhetta, internationally acclaimed Norwegian architecture firm that specialises in creating sustainable spaces that fuse conceptual form with nature.
Set in the fashionable and vibrant neighbourhood of Shibuya, the as-yet unnamed hotel – or House – is due for completion in 2027, and will be the first property to open outside China for The House Collective; a notable milestone for the brand which marks the start of a new phase of expansion.
Image credit: Proloog, Copyright: Snøhetta, Courtesy of: Tokyo Corporation.
The new hotel, designed to meet ambitious sustainability standards, also marks the ongoing commitment of the Swire Group in Japan as the firm had previous businesses dating back more than 150 years with the opening of its office in Yokohama handling imports and exports. The firm gradually built a varied portfolio of businesses, and expanded its network with branch offices in Kobe, Tokyo and Nagoya. In 1959, Cathay Pacific Airways, one of Swire’s aviation businesses, inaugurated a service to Tokyo, making it the first foreign carrier to serve the city. The Swire Group’s marine and aviation businesses are its principal interests in Japan today.
Launched in 2008 with the opening of The Opposite House, The House Collective creates and manages distinctive hotels. Each with its own cultural character and architecture, The Opposite House in Beijing, The Upper House in Hong Kong, The Temple House in Chengdu and The Middle House in Shanghai are created for seasoned travellers who seek originality, style and personalised service in luxury travel. Each House is uniquely imagined and inspired by its location – from Beijing’s prominent art scene, Shanghai’s high fashion style, Chengdu’s tea and tranquility, to the bright lights of Hong Kong – with distinctive design, exceptional culinary experiences, and individualised hospitality to be found at each. By taking a people-first approach, The House Collective creates spaces and stays which are both inspiring and effortless, setting the brand apart and earning the Houses loyal fans world-wide.
For the new House, The House Collective, a member of The Set Collection, will work with acclaimed developers Tokyu Group and LCRE, pooling their established market presence and understanding with The House Collective’s experience in operating world-class luxury hotels, to create a unique and exciting new destination. Standing for modernity, social vibrancy and luxury, the choice of Tokyu Group and LCRE as partners was a natural fit for The House Collective which puts elevated experiences, people, and places at its core.
Image caption: The Middle House, another property in The House Collection portfolio. | Image credit: The House Collective
“Witnessing the growth of The House Collective is an extremely proud moment for us as we look to expand into new cities throughout the Asia Pacific region,” said Toby Smith, Deputy Chairman, Swire Hotels. “We’re delighted to be able to bring our distinctive design and people-first approach in hospitality to Tokyo. Our partners Tokyu Group and LCRE, share our vision of creating a new and vibrant guest experience which, with the opening of our new House will offer world-class hospitality for both locals and visitors to Tokyo.”
Kazuo Takahashi, President and Representative Director of Tokyu Corporation, added: “Swire Hotels’ The House Collective creates elevated luxury experiences with distinctive character and a sense of style. With Swire and The House Collective, we work with one of Asia’s most sophisticated and luxurious hoteliers and are delighted to introduce a new standard of contemporary hospitality to Tokyo”, said Mathieu le Bozec, Managing Partner of L Catterton Real Estate.
The new House will be part of the Shibuya Upper West Project by Tokyu Corporation, Tokyu Department Store and L Catterton Real Estate. This 117,000 square meter (includes Bunkamura) landmark real estate project will bring together a potent combination of luxury and high-quality retail, contemporary luxury hotel, luxury residences, as well as art and cultural experiences to the vibrant Shibuya district for the very first time.
No news yet on the interior design studio who will take on the responsibility of bringing the interiors to life, but our bet is going on André Fu Studio, given the designer’s bond to the brand. Only time will tell…
Main image credit: Proloog, Copyright: Snøhetta, Courtesy of: Tokyo Corporation.
