NotaHotel Competition, Japan

The design of this building flows harmoniously with the natural contours of the Kitakaruizawa site. Its radial geometry frames and enhances the rugged landscape, guiding the user through a seamless dialogue with the surrounding forest and boulders. This layout fosters a meandering experience, allowing for continuous interaction with the ever-changing scenery.

The architecture adapts to the terrain, with multiple levels responding to the natural grade of the site. A single, sloping roof mirrors the topography, unifying the structure with the environment.

Intimate pockets of space emerge from the radial design, with some areas framing the rough textures of the rocks, while others open to the tranquil spaces in between. The building doesn’t impose but rather embraces the unique qualities of its location, making the architecture a medium for experiencing the site’s natural beauty.

The house integrates seamlessly with its surroundings, blurring the boundaries between architecture and nature. The use of natural materials throughout, including irregularly shaped wood elements, enhances this connection. Subtle contrasts in color and texture reflect the organic irregularities of the landscape, while the passageways between rooms offer a shifting sense of scale and level, engaging the senses and elevating the experience.

This design is not just a retreat, but a vessel through which the raw beauty of Kitakaruizawa is explored and appreciated.