Niseko Northfield

Our proposal is for a set of twin villas located in Kutchan, the snowiest town in Japan. The buildings are arranged using several key design principles. Block A is arranged radially, featuring a double-height space at the front that pushes the bedrooms and private areas to the east and west elevations. Block B, on the other hand, is organised in a more linear fashion, with circulation to the north and living spaces to the south.

Building A covers an area of 480 sqm across three floors. The building's concrete base firmly embeds it in the landscape, while a lighter timber-clad middle section draws inspiration from the neighbouring building's material palette. The roof gently slopes east and west, allowing snow to fall away from the entrance. Clad in metal sheeting, the roof drapes over the building, emphasising the simplicity of the form. Access to the building is through the genkan, which connects to the garage and ski room. The ground floor accommodates various amenity spaces, including the gym, sauna, and playroom. As you ascend, you navigate through the building using an RC stair that wraps around the lift. You arrive at the first floor via the kitchen, complete with a discreetly concealed wine cellar. This space then expands into the double-height living area. Openings in the facade have been strategically placed to frame views of Mount Yotei, optimise natural light, and ensure privacy from the road. A large fireplace anchors the lounge space. Towards the rear of the building, away from the road, the bedrooms are positioned, each facing either east or west, and all equipped with en-suite facilities. These bedrooms are stacked up to the second floor, which also houses the Master bedroom—a more generous space that includes a small living area and fireplace.

Building B encompasses 330 sqm across two floors. The mass of the building makes use of the plot's width and adopts a functional, vernacular style. It shares the same material palette as Block A but incorporates distinct elements to establish its own character. Notably, a terrace that wraps around the south elevation, sheltered beneath the roof. The ground floor houses most of the supporting functions: laundry, storage, ski-room, as well as two of the bedrooms strategically positioned along the south elevation to maximise natural light. Facilities such as washrooms and spaces requiring less light are situated towards the northern elevation, with skylights integrated to diffuse natural light. You enter the first floor via the rear corridor, which offers access to the living area or direct entry to the bedrooms. The living space comprises a kitchen with an island, a lounge area centred around the fireplace, and a spacious dining table. The location of windows allows abundant natural light into the area. An additional option explores connecting the two blocks. Contained within the intersection of the two blocks is a sunken covered garden that features the onsen and teahouse.

Chinheab Ngor

Sengheng Tang

Tobias Griffiths

The project was undertaken in collaboration with Vyvial Suzuki

www.vyvialsuzukistudio.com/