Melbourne-based architect Steven Chu was awarded the Grand Prize in the 2026 NOT A HOTEL International Design Competition this past spring. The founder of Artefact Architects submitted a design proposal titled Sound of Rain, which was selected from over 1,000 entries from 112 countries worldwide. The project is set to be built by the boutique hotel brand on Yakushima, a forested island off the southern coast of Kyushu, Japan.
As the name implies, Chu’s design embraces the rainy landscape that it will eventually inhabit. Its most striking feature is its broad, bowl-shaped roof that collects rainfall and directs the runoff to envelop the guest in its tranquility while remaining sheltered.
Beneath the roof is a living space, bedroom, and circular terrace clad in a minimalist aesthetic. The patio boasts a sunken fire pit with stunning views that overlook a distant ocean. A curved bedroom sits along the perimeter of the space so that guests can enjoy the pattering of rain when inside—no white noise machine necessary.
The proposal looks back to look forward. “Sound of Rain began as an exploration of what architecture might have felt like before the first cedar took root in Yakushima, when Sky met Earth and the first sound of rain was heard,” Chu tells My Modern Met. “The project seeks to transform that ancient memory into a place of rest, ritual, and belonging.”
“Because Sound of Rain emerged from an anonymous international competition,” he continues, “it provided a rare opportunity to develop a design from first principles and fully embody our design philosophy. The project explores how architecture can strengthen our connection to place through atmosphere, materiality, ritual, and the enduring presence of rain.”
Since being named the winner in April, Sound of Rain is making its way through the design development process. “We are working closely with the client to realize the project while preserving the core design intent,” Chu explains. “We’re also excited to share that Sound of Rain has recently been named a ‘Future Projects’ finalist at the World Architecture Festival in Fort Lauderdale later this year.”
Melbourne-based architect Steven Chu was awarded the Grand Prize in the 2026 NOT A HOTEL International Design Competition this past spring.
The founder of Artefact Architects submitted a design proposal titled Sound of Rain.
As the name implies, Chu’s design embraces the rainy landscape that it will eventually inhabit.
Its most striking feature is its broad roof that collects rainfall and directs the runoff to envelop the guest in its tranquility while remaining sheltered.
