沖縄の建築物を象徴する『琉球赤瓦』

シーサーや屋敷囲いなどに広く活用される「琉球赤瓦」は、グスク時代から始まり、琉球王朝時代に首里城や神社の屋根をはじめ士族の間で使われ、明治時代から徐々に一般民家に普及しました。

沖縄の文化や歴史を象徴する重要な要素の1つで、赤瓦を葺き、側面と継ぎ目に漆喰を塗ることで台風被害を最小限に抑えることができるといいます。

さらに琉球赤瓦は吸水性と通気性が高く、屋根の木構造を湿気から守りつつ、沖縄の強い日差しによる建物の温度上昇を和らげる効果があります。

MOSS okinawaの屋根にも琉球赤瓦を採用。緑豊かなホテルストレータ那覇の中庭を抜けると、沖縄の土で作られた赤瓦と、白い漆喰の織りなすコントラストで、沖縄らしい風情を感じられます。

店内の壁には琉球石灰岩や木や石などの自然素材が用いられ､天井からは琉球ガラスの照明が灯り、沖縄の懐かしい風景を想起させることでしょう。

Ryukyu Red Tiles: A Symbol of Okinawan Architecture

Ryukyu red tiles(琉球赤瓦), widely used for shisa(シーサー) statues and traditional walls around homes, have their origins in the Gusuku period. During the Ryukyu Kingdom era, they were used on the roofs of Shuri Castle, shrines, and homes of the warrior class. From the Meiji period, they gradually became common in ordinary households.

These red tiles are an important symbol of Okinawa’s culture and history. It’s said that by tiling the roof with red tiles and sealing the sides and joints with plaster, damage from typhoons can be greatly reduced.

Ryukyu red tiles also have high water absorbency and breathability, helping to protect the wooden structure beneath from moisture while softening the heat inside buildings caused by Okinawa’s strong sunlight.

MOSS okinawa also features a roof made of Ryukyu red tiles. As you walk through the lush courtyard of Hotel Strata Naha, you'll be greeted by the charming contrast of red tiles made from Okinawan clay and bright white plaster — a scene full of Okinawan character.

Inside the restaurant, natural materials like Ryukyu limestone, wood, and stone are used on the walls, while Ryukyu glass lights hang from the ceiling, evoking a sense of nostalgia and the timeless beauty of Okinawa.