IWADO BASE: A Glamping Retreat in the Heart of Tottori

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When we set out to design IWADO BASE, we we wanted to support an experience—something already present in the raw, untamed beauty of Tottori’s coastline. Located within the San’in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark, this site called for restraint, humility, and a deep respect for its natural surroundings.

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We opened IWADO BASE in 2024 as a refined glamping retreat that reimagines outdoor living. Our goal was simple: to create spaces that let people step into nature without sacrificing comfort, and without disrupting the landscape that makes this place so special.

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We took inspiration from the muted tones of local architecture, using weather-resistant steel cladding to help the structures blend into their environment rather than stand out. Inside, we introduced warm wood and natural textures—materials that feel intuitive and grounding, especially in contrast to the elemental exterior.

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Each unit is positioned to prioritize views, airflow, and privacy. Large glass openings invite the outside in, creating a seamless transition between shelter and landscape. Communal spaces—like our dining area and clean, unfussy bathing facilities—offer a shared sense of place without pulling guests away from the environment.

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We didn’t want to overdesign. Instead, we asked: What do people come here for? To surf. To hike. To feel the wind. They’re not here to stay in—they’re here to be out there. Our job was to give them just enough: a warm place to pause, to rest, and to reconnect.

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IWADO BASE is our quiet answer to that need. It’s comfort without excess. Architecture without ego. A place where design supports nature, and where the wild beauty of Tottori is always the main event.