Designed primarily as a ski getaway, Hokkasō is a mountain retreat for the owner to host family and friends. The top floor living/dining/kitchen is the centerpiece of the chalet, and is concurrently cozy and surprisingly spacious.
Located on a tranquil street in lower Hirafu Village, Hokkasō feels very private and calm. With an eye to ongoing maturation of Hirafu, we designed the house to maintain this sense of intimacy by carefully framing the key views to Mt. Yotei and the night lights of Grand Hirafu Resort. Other windows are placed to invite natural light into the space while maintaining privacy from potential neighbors next door. The outcome is best reflected in the top floor living/dining/kitchen, with mountain views in both directions, and abundant natural light flooding through the high clerestory windows.
Natural materials were used abundantly on the exterior and interior of Hokkasō. The space is filled with warmth and the scent of natural wood, and a contemporary feel is achieved by the sleek materials like steel and cement tiles. Wooden window trim details and Washi like wallpaper added a Japanese feel.
Hokkasō concept architecture, interior design, and project management by Taiga Projects in-house architect Tetsuya Okazaki.