The Ace Hotel Kyoto, designed by Kengo Kuma, exemplifies a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese architecture and contemporary design. Its distinctive facade features a layered arrangement of timber slats that reference Kyoto’s historic wooden structures, creating a rhythmic pattern that plays with light and shadow. The hotel’s layout prioritises transparency and flow, with large, strategically placed windows that offer views of the surrounding urban landscape and invite natural light into the interior. Inside, the use of natural materials, such as wood and stone, coupled with open communal spaces, fosters a sense of warmth and comfort, encouraging social interaction among guests. The integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, including gardens and terraces, reflects the traditional Japanese connection to nature while providing a modern, inviting environment for visitors.