New Zentis Osaka Hotel Offers A Modern Take On The City’s Urban Edginess

OSAKA (Nov. 10, 2020) - As the debut property of a new hotel brand by Palace HotelGroup and the first project in Japan for one of the world’s foremost interior architecturaldesigners, Zentis Osaka strums a rather singular chord in a city well-known for both its
industrious charm and distinctive hospitality.
Subtly edgy, wonderfully Japanese and naturally resplendent, Osaka’s first addition tothe bespoke collection of Design Hotels opened this July with interiors fashioned byUK-based Tara Bernerd & Partners.
“Craftsmanship and industrial heritage are key elements of the local culture, so wesought to encapsulate both through the mixture of materials chosen and thecontemporary approach with which we applied them to this project,” explained Bernerd.
The materials: exposed bricks, timber beams, ceppo stone, structural ironmongery anda sculptural, blue-limestone staircase situated at the heart of the arrival experience –complemented by an earthy palette of taupes and ivory and accentuated by warm popsof honey, ochre, sage and steel-blue. Light fixtures harkening back to mid-century
designs complete Bernerd’s vision for a boutique look that encapsulates industrial chic
and approachable luxury.
In the guestrooms, Japanese sensibilities for space utilization are evident in theangular shapes that separate each space much like the interlocking compartments ofa bento box, allowing for optimum functionality and a seamless flow throughout. Theslender, cool-gray tiles found on the bathroom walls are reminiscent of the fluted
Japanese izumo tiles that adorn the hotel’s stylish bar while Shigaraki-yaki tables
crafted in the kilns of Shiga, a Japanese prefecture renowned for its pottery, add asleek touch bedside. Charcoal art in the form of a dramatic, shodo-inspired sweep
above each bed – done by local artist Masami Ehara for reproduction as wallpaper –adds an artful flair.
On the main floor, built-in bookshelves frame the elevator doors and hover over thereception desk, showcasing a selection of locally made pottery and other decorative
items as well as art books that exemplify local aesthetics. Other titles include coffeetable books celebrating famous foreign artists.
For the inaugural property of the Zentis brand, project developer Mickey Nakane ofMedia For Space facilitated the collaboration between Palace Hotel Group, Japanesearchitectural firm Kajima Design and Tara Bernerd & Partners to ensure thedevelopment of a distinctive urban oasis.
“For the exterior, we opted for a grid design to reflect the structured nature of business,as the hotel borders the business district of Dojimahama,” said Kouichiro Shiomi, groupleader for Kajima Design’s Osaka division. “And then we chose brick, with apredominantly glass façade for the first two levels, to complement the abundance ofgreenery that surrounds and to soften the building’s overall look. This also gives it amore relaxed vibe, which is more in tune with the entertainment district of Kita-shinchi
that the hotel also borders.”

As rare as an entirely new build in a dense part of the city is the fact that the 16-storey
sanctuary comes replete with an arrival experience that includes entry via a verdantgarden setting comprising of indigenous flora such as a Japanese maple as well as acherry blossom tree.
“The interplay between indoors and outdoors was of particular importance in the streetlevel lobby and garden space as well as in the dining areas one floor above,” explained
Bernerd, who integrated floor-to-ceiling Crittal windows into the design of those spaces
to enhance the relationship between them.
On the main floor, a stone and garden terrace interlinked with the Guest Lounge by adouble-sided fireplace presents a tranquil outlook while a covered outdoor space on
the second floor offers a verdant retreat of its own for those dining at UPSTAIRZ, thehotel’s atmospheric lounge, bar and restaurant in-one.
The connection between inside and out extends to the choice of artwork in the hotel’s
reception area, where three prominent pieces are on display. All were inspired by
Midosuji, one of the city’s most popular thoroughfares, and each reflects an abstract
interpretation of the boulevard as the seasons change – with the largest of them
representing autumn, with its blazing gingko leaves.
Rates at Zentis Osaka start at JPY 18,300 for a Studio room.
Website: www.zentishotels.com/en/osaka/@zentishotels | @tarabernerd | @designhotels | @upstairz_lounge_bar_restaurant

ABOUT ZENTIS OSAKA
Zentis Osaka is the debut property of Palace Hotel Group's new Zentis label, a brandwith designs on raising the bar on select-service hospitality. Sixteen stories tall, theentirely new build features interiors by internationally renowned UK design firm Tara
Bernerd & Partners and a pedigree that stems from the award-winning Palace HotelTokyo – the independent, homegrown brand that has redefined luxury Japanesehospitality.
Subtly edgy, wonderfully Japanese and naturally resplendent, the 212-room hotel pays
homage to a city known for its industrious charm with an industrial chic look and laidback feel. Osaka's first edition to the bespoke collection of Design Hotels features local
design touches, including shigaraki-yaki bedside tables crafted in the kilns of Shiga,
shodo-inspired wallpaper installations and contemporary works by a local artist.
The dining concept at UPSTAIRZ, the hotel’s lounge, bar and restaurant, wasconceived by a team with a Michelin-star track record and features a menu withJapanese and French influences.
Located where the riverside business area of Dojimahama and the high-end
entertainment district of Kita-shinchi meet and set amid lush greenery, Zentis Osaka
presents a distinctive urban oasis ideal for savvy, design-conscious travelers.

About Tara Bernerd & Partners
Internationally renowned designer Tara Bernerd is the founder of the interiorarchitectural practice, Tara Bernerd & Partners. Based in London’s Belgravia, thepractice works on a global platform and prides itself on its intelligent approach tointerior space-planning and design.
Though each project is unique, Tara Bernerd & Partners’ handsome signature style isone of approachable luxury with an industrial edge and each space possesses amasculine, and ultimately timeless, elegance.
Bernerd and her team strive to create a feeling of authenticity within each property by
establishing a distinct design DNA that is true to both the location and the people whowill make it their home. Whether in a hotel lobby, a restaurant, or a private residence,
the team seeks to create meaning and connection through a distinct sense of place.
About Design Hotels™
Since 1993, Design Hotels™ has been crafting a portfolio which today includes 300 +privately owned and operated hotels that reflect the vision of independent hoteliers –or “Originals” – with a passion for culturally-rooted hospitality and cutting-edge design
and architecture. From the pioneering boutique hotels of New York, Paris and London
to the rising stars of Shanghai, Mexico City and Nairobi, to remote mountaintops,
hidden beaches and off-the-beaten-path escapes, each independent hotel in theDesign Hotels hand-picked portfolio is a wholly unique creative expression, steeped in
the history, culture, and the nature of its environment.
Across the world, Design Hotels member properties anchor a community of travelers
united in the pursuit of inspired environments, genuine local culture and transformative,
boundary-pushing adventures. An ever-evolving movement forged on purpose,connectedness and curiosity.
ZENTIS OSAKA MEDIA CONTACTS
USA | Southeast Asia | Australia & New Zealand
Balcony Media Group
Karryn Miller
kmiller@balconymediagroup.com
Japan & All Other Regions
Zentis Osaka
PR Departmentpress@zentishotels.com

Hong Kong & Taiwan
Petrie PR
Linda Petrielinda@petriepr.com