Snøhetta
Japanese hospitality group NOT A HOTEL is creating a chain of boutique resort villas with distinctively minimalist architecture. In collaboration with renowned studios such as {tag:pracownie}, NOT A HOTEL is pursuing a cohesive concept of resort architecture geared toward an intimate, soothing relationship between nature and home-shelter.
The villa is designed to help guests take full advantage of the beauty of the surrounding nature
Photo: MIR | © Snøhetta
A vacation in Japan in a villa for rent by the Snøhetta project
The 1,200-square-meter building is characterized by a clean form that visually links the structure to the surrounding chain of dormant volcanoes and the sharp boundaries of the plot. Two perpendicularly stacked floors gently curve inward. The lower floor, which is partially underground, houses a gym and sauna. The first floor features a living room and courtyard extending to the entrance hall, a kitchen, dining room and a hot tub overlooking the Yotei volcano. The composition of the floors liquifies the functioning of the hotel and harmoniously integrates it into the contours of the Rusutsu landscape.
This project was built on a foundation of close cooperation with NOT A HOTEL. We immersed ourselves in snow drifts, stunning views, changing seasons and the zenith over our heads. Experiencing and understanding the nature around us had a huge impact on the final design. We strived to create a deep cohesion between the architectural volume and its surroundings. In this particular case, we were inspired by the majesty of the Yotei volcano," says Richard Wood, Managing Director of Snøhetta Asia.
The project will blend harmoniously into the snowy landscape
Photo: MIR | © Snøhetta
zenith on Yōtei volcano
Snøhetta drew from the idea of the zenith - the highest point in the sky located directly over the observer's head. Looking out to the celestial peaks is reflected in the creation of spaces that lift people's spirits and pay homage to Yōtei.
Common spaces stimulate the mind, while bedrooms allow guests to refresh the spirit. The hotel's amenities, such as the gym, sauna and outdoor baths, are designed to promote well-being and blur the boundaries between the hotel's interior and exterior. As a result, nature has been invited inside. The use of local building materials, such as stone and wood, further emphasizes the project's holistic approach to human well-being and harmony with nature, says Ana Castaingts, Snøhetta's chief interior designer.
Courtyard overlooking the slumbering volcano
Photo: MIR | © Snøhetta
A non-hotel on the island of Hokkaido
The building's courtyard is the focal point embodying the architect's concept. It serves as a meeting and reflection center. One can indulge in both solitary contemplation and collaborative activities that support development in a peaceful environment.
In 2020, we founded a startup engaging the world's best talents to design unique rest homes in the lap of Japan's beautiful nature. The collaboration with Snøhetta and Kamori Kanko is a huge step forward in achieving our mission. The NOT A HOTEL RUSUTSU project elevates the possibilities of 21st century architecture and sets a new standard in resort villa design in Japan and around the world," says Shinji Hamauzu, CEO and founder of NOT A HOTEL.
NOT A HOTEL invites all guests to slow down, respite in nature and explore the spaces found in deep contemplation.
When it will be possible to rent a villa overlooking Yōtei
Work on the project has just begun. The property is scheduled to open to guests in the winter of 2025.
The villa is owned by the Japanese hotel group NOT A HOTEL
Photo credit: MIR | © Snøhetta
Ania Kociucka
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