V Taller's 'A Crafted Shelter' Wins Honorable Mention in NOT A HOTEL Competition
Mexican architecture studio V Taller has received an Honorable Mention in the 2026 NOT A HOTEL Design Competition for its proposal 'A Crafted Shelter' on Yakushima Island, Japan. The design centers on a monolithic stone core that anchors the structure and contains a circular staircase illuminated by zenithal light. A four-pitched timber roof clad in ceramic tiles collects rainwater, releasing it as an acoustic element. The stone plinth extends into outdoor bathing areas, while timber interiors reference traditional Japanese joinery. The 7,923-square-meter site includes a 616.20-square-meter building area. Lead architects Daniel Villanueva and Miguel Valverde led the design team of Sergio Colchado, Karina Ortega, and Sergio Coxca. Visualizations were produced by VER 3D.
Key facts
- V Taller proposed 'A Crafted Shelter' for the 2026 NOT A HOTEL Design Competition on Yakushima Island, Japan.
- The design features a monolithic stone core with a circular staircase and zenithal light.
- The roof is a four-pitched timber structure clad in ceramic tiles that collects rainwater.
- The stone plinth integrates outdoor bathing and lounging areas.
- Timber interiors are inspired by traditional Japanese joinery.
- Site area: 7,923 square meters; building area: 616.20 square meters.
- Lead architects: Daniel Villanueva and Miguel Valverde.
- Visualizations by VER 3D.
Entities
Artists
- Daniel Villanueva
- Miguel Valverde
- Sergio Colchado
- Karina Ortega
- Sergio Coxca
Institutions
- V Taller
- NOT A HOTEL
- VER 3D
- designboom
Locations
- Yakushima
- Japan
- Kyushu
- Kagoshima
- Guadalajara