SANU × SUEP. Takes on the Challenge: New Architectural Model 'ARC' Completed in Amami Oshima, a World Natural Heritage Site
SANU Inc., which operates the membership second home service 'SANU 2nd Home', has unveiled its new architectural model 'ARC' in Amami Oshima. Co-created with the architect unit SUEP., it features a structure adapted to the subtropical climate and will open in May 2026.
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SANU Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director and CEO: Gen Fukushima), which operates one of Japan's largest membership second home services, 'SANU 2nd Home', will unveil the full details of its new architectural model 'ARC', co-created with the architect unit SUEP., to coincide with the opening of 'SANU 2nd Home Amami Oshima 1st' on Friday, May 1, 2026.
This model, our first self-built architecture in a registered World Natural Heritage area, is SANU's new attempt at environmentally symbiotic architecture born from the intersection of the wisdom of Amami Oshima's traditional 'Takakura' and environmental simulations.
Centered on 'architecture' that minimizes the burden on the natural environment, to clean 'stays' using renewable energy, and 'movement' linked with LEXUS BEVs (battery electric vehicles). We have consistently designed everything from building to spending time to deliver an experience that integrates with the climate of Amami Oshima.
1) Building on a World Heritage Island
Since its registration as a World Natural Heritage site in 2021, much tourism development has progressed in Amami Oshima. On this island, where about 13% of Japan's biological species are said to inhabit within just 0.2% of the country's land area, 'how to build' is a declaration of the stance on 'how to interact with nature'. In this place, SANU sought a new way for people to stay while minimizing the impact on the natural environment.
2) [Architectural Concept] 'ARC' derived from Amami's climate and ecosystem
The shape of the 'ARC' is not merely a design, but a logical answer derived from the climate and delicate ecosystem of this land.
Memories of the island residing in the Takakura
The starting point of the design was Amami Oshima's traditional raised-floor storehouse, 'Takakura'. Humidity, habu vipers, and fierce winds. The structural wisdom of 'lifting the floor and letting the wind through', accumulated over hundreds of years against these elements, was reinterpreted in modern architecture. By minimizing the area in contact with the ground and floating the building, it lets the humidity unique to Amami Oshima escape, ensuring that fresh wind always passes under the building.
Photo: 'Amami Takakura' (Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum) Source: Tokyo Museum Collection
The roof's arc as the optimal solution guided by the natural environment
In Amami Oshima, which has a subtropical marine climate (annual average temperature 21.8°C, humidity 60-90%) and is in the path of typhoons, the shape of the roof directly affects the strength of the building. The streamlined shape derived from verifying 60 cases using SUEP.'s environmental simulations can release wind pressure while maximizing indoor energy efficiency.
The architecture with a streamlined curved roof derived in this way was named 'ARC'. Its form, drawing a gentle arc towards the sea, resonates with the curves of ships and surfboards familiar to the island, and stands peacefully in the landscape.
3-1) Spatial features of ARC
(4m raised floor structure, outdoor living underneath)
(Lower living (low table))
1. 4m raised floor structure that does not harm the earth
By setting the floor height at 4m above ground without sealing the ground with concrete, it avoids humidity and habu vipers, and does not block the flow of air and water on the land. The approach of slipping in under the piloti and climbing the stairs into the interior creates an excitement like 'tree climbing' that brings you back to your childhood.
2. Outdoor living where the wind blows through
The piloti under the building is an 'outdoor living' area where the sea breeze passes through. Instead of relying entirely on air conditioning, it is a design that responds to the subtropical climate by utilizing natural airflow through the shape of the architecture.
3. Sitting on the floor, reinterpreting island living
A 'lower living (low table)' area is arranged indoors. We translated the dining culture unique to Amami Oshima, sitting on the floor around a large table. Lowering your eye level deepens the sense of unity with the sea and forest spreading outside the window.
3-2) The fittings of ARC, weaving the island's materials and culture inside and out
Collaborating with many creators centered around SUEP., we incorporated the strength of Amami's nature into the details of the space.
Materials
Hard flooring made of South Sea timber is used for the floor, and plaster with elasticity and texture for the walls. Cedar wood from Miyazaki Prefecture is used for the outer walls and louvers, utilizing the texture of the materials themselves.
Lighting
Original design using Kagoshima's traditional craft, Gamo Washi. With a simple framework that intentionally shows the structure, it is given an open-heartedness that stands up to the strength of Amami's nature.
Cushion covers
Inspired by Amami's unique dyeing culture called mud dyeing, we upcycled used Oshima Tsumugi. We created covers re-knitted by tearing using the 'sakiori' technique.
Landscape
A planting plan that centers on plants native to Amami Oshima and lets you feel its unique vitality. Edible plants (edible garden) are partly incorporated, drawing Amami's rich vegetation into daily life.
4) [Architecture on remote islands] Circulation of energy and mobility
The conventional 'environmentally symbiotic architecture'
This model, our first self-built architecture in a registered World Natural Heritage area, is SANU's new attempt at environmentally symbiotic architecture born from the intersection of the wisdom of Amami Oshima's traditional 'Takakura' and environmental simulations.
Centered on 'architecture' that minimizes the burden on the natural environment, to clean 'stays' using renewable energy, and 'movement' linked with LEXUS BEVs (battery electric vehicles). We have consistently designed everything from building to spending time to deliver an experience that integrates with the climate of Amami Oshima.
1) Building on a World Heritage Island
Since its registration as a World Natural Heritage site in 2021, much tourism development has progressed in Amami Oshima. On this island, where about 13% of Japan's biological species are said to inhabit within just 0.2% of the country's land area, 'how to build' is a declaration of the stance on 'how to interact with nature'. In this place, SANU sought a new way for people to stay while minimizing the impact on the natural environment.
2) [Architectural Concept] 'ARC' derived from Amami's climate and ecosystem
The shape of the 'ARC' is not merely a design, but a logical answer derived from the climate and delicate ecosystem of this land.
Memories of the island residing in the Takakura
The starting point of the design was Amami Oshima's traditional raised-floor storehouse, 'Takakura'. Humidity, habu vipers, and fierce winds. The structural wisdom of 'lifting the floor and letting the wind through', accumulated over hundreds of years against these elements, was reinterpreted in modern architecture. By minimizing the area in contact with the ground and floating the building, it lets the humidity unique to Amami Oshima escape, ensuring that fresh wind always passes under the building.
Photo: 'Amami Takakura' (Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum) Source: Tokyo Museum Collection
The roof's arc as the optimal solution guided by the natural environment
In Amami Oshima, which has a subtropical marine climate (annual average temperature 21.8°C, humidity 60-90%) and is in the path of typhoons, the shape of the roof directly affects the strength of the building. The streamlined shape derived from verifying 60 cases using SUEP.'s environmental simulations can release wind pressure while maximizing indoor energy efficiency.
The architecture with a streamlined curved roof derived in this way was named 'ARC'. Its form, drawing a gentle arc towards the sea, resonates with the curves of ships and surfboards familiar to the island, and stands peacefully in the landscape.
3-1) Spatial features of ARC
(4m raised floor structure, outdoor living underneath)
(Lower living (low table))
1. 4m raised floor structure that does not harm the earth
By setting the floor height at 4m above ground without sealing the ground with concrete, it avoids humidity and habu vipers, and does not block the flow of air and water on the land. The approach of slipping in under the piloti and climbing the stairs into the interior creates an excitement like 'tree climbing' that brings you back to your childhood.
2. Outdoor living where the wind blows through
The piloti under the building is an 'outdoor living' area where the sea breeze passes through. Instead of relying entirely on air conditioning, it is a design that responds to the subtropical climate by utilizing natural airflow through the shape of the architecture.
3. Sitting on the floor, reinterpreting island living
A 'lower living (low table)' area is arranged indoors. We translated the dining culture unique to Amami Oshima, sitting on the floor around a large table. Lowering your eye level deepens the sense of unity with the sea and forest spreading outside the window.
3-2) The fittings of ARC, weaving the island's materials and culture inside and out
Collaborating with many creators centered around SUEP., we incorporated the strength of Amami's nature into the details of the space.
Materials
Hard flooring made of South Sea timber is used for the floor, and plaster with elasticity and texture for the walls. Cedar wood from Miyazaki Prefecture is used for the outer walls and louvers, utilizing the texture of the materials themselves.
Lighting
Original design using Kagoshima's traditional craft, Gamo Washi. With a simple framework that intentionally shows the structure, it is given an open-heartedness that stands up to the strength of Amami's nature.
Cushion covers
Inspired by Amami's unique dyeing culture called mud dyeing, we upcycled used Oshima Tsumugi. We created covers re-knitted by tearing using the 'sakiori' technique.
Landscape
A planting plan that centers on plants native to Amami Oshima and lets you feel its unique vitality. Edible plants (edible garden) are partly incorporated, drawing Amami's rich vegetation into daily life.
4) [Architecture on remote islands] Circulation of energy and mobility
The conventional 'environmentally symbiotic architecture'