History The history of SMITH OASIS
Prologue
Situated in what used to be an area for blacksmiths, SMITH OASIS has been repurposed to be an oasis of greenery and waterfalls in the heart of a metropolis. The name consists of two words, “smith” and “oasis”. Smith is short for blacksmith and oasis comes from the owner’s strong desire to create an oasis in the city where nature is scarce.
SMITH OASIS was created by reusing a part of an old building that had to be demolished. Chairs and tables that were destined to be thrown away have been repaired and given new life. The entire building is filled with a diverse collection of paintings and artefacts, some of which were inherited from the owner’s family members, and others collected through her travels from around the globe. Although it is situated in a bustling urban environment, SMITH OASIS provides an oasis of utmost comfort and tranquility. We truly believe that SMITH OASIS will be an extraordinary place for our guests.
Background
The location where SMITH OASIS Guest House was built was originally the headquarters of Shibutani Co. Ltd., which was founded by my father. The company headquarters are now in another location in Osaka City.
My father asked Junzo Sakakura, who was considered the founder of modern Japanese architecture to construct the building. He was an architect who practiced modernist architecture under Le Corbusier, who was very influential in Paris at that time. The stylish building was completed in 1962 with astounding red walls, black floors, and green ceilings.
My father also requested that the building be strong enough to last a hundred years, and that the basement be usable as an air-raid shelter in case of emergency. The basement is therefore extremely sturdy, a double wall structure with a great number of reinforcing bars. It was used for 57 years until it was torn down in 2019, due to leakage and seismic reinforcement.
The basement, however, continues to serve as the foundation for SMITH OASIS Guest House today. By reusing the basement, we have been able to reduce industrial waste and contribute to the SDGs.
The Story Behind the Safe in the Entrance Hall
Sitting in the entrance hall is a fireproof safe made in 1955. It has sand in the doors and walls and weighs an astounding, 850 kilograms. It was in use even before the previous building was completed, coinciding with the history of my father's company. When it was decided that the building had to be demolished, I felt that the safe had to be preserved at all costs. It is not only an important treasure but a symbol of progress. It has witnessed the progress of my father's company, and it will now witness the progress of SMITH OASIS Guest House.