Kasumigaseki at Vida Emirates Hills
Project Information
Project: Kasumigaseki at Vida Emirates Hills
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Supplier: Mittsu Japanese Tiles
Tiles: Wall Oribe, Ka-Bu
Technical Data Sheet: Wall Oribe Ka-Bu
Japanese ceramic tiles bring depth and texture to Dubai hospitality project
Description
Kasumigaseki at Vida Emirates Hills in Dubai incorporates handcrafted Japanese ceramic tiles to create a refined and tactile interior environment.
The main dining areas feature Wall Oribe tiles, selected for their rich glaze variation and subtle movement across the surface. The tiles introduce depth without relying on pattern, allowing the material itself to define the space.
The distinctive green tones of Oribe originate from Japanese ceramic traditions of the early 17th century, associated with the aesthetic direction of Furuta Oribe. Oribe ware is characterised by expressive glazing, asymmetry and a willingness to embrace irregularity, marking a departure from earlier, more restrained styles. This approach continues to influence contemporary ceramic production in Japan.
“Oribe is not about uniformity,” says Ian Reynolds. “It is about natural variation and movement, shaped by the way the glaze reacts in the kiln. That natural unpredictability gives the surface its depth.”
Produced using traditional kiln-fired methods, each tile carries natural variation in tone and finish. This results in a surface that responds to light throughout the day, shifting in character depending on viewing angle and lighting conditions.
The tiles were selected not only for their visual qualities but also for their durability and suitability for high-traffic hospitality environments, where consistency of performance is as important as aesthetic expression.
In the restrooms, Ka-Bu tiles in a matt black finish provide a contrasting expression. The darker, more uniform surface creates a quieter and more enclosed atmosphere, while maintaining the depth and tactile quality characteristic of Japanese ceramic production.
Together, the materials establish a balance between variation and restraint, supporting a cohesive interior language across different areas of the project.
Mittsu Japanese Tiles supplied the tiles for the project, working with designers to ensure the material selection aligned with both aesthetic intent and practical application.
