HAND-IN-HAND
HOUSE, KARUIZAWA, JAPAN, PROJECT: NENDO/OKI SATO (CHIEF DESIGNER)
Located
on a hilly 5,800㎡ site in Karuizawa, a resort town in Nagano Prefecture, lies a weekend house for a
family of four with two children. The design begins with a large terrace
extending over the slope, fully embracing the wonderful terrain of lush
greenery and a view of Mt. Asama.
Six
small “cottages” approximately 20㎡ in size are scattered
along this terrace. Each cottage is positioned to all slightly face different
directions, with varying roof heights to match the surrounding landscape.
Each dedicated
to functions like the kitchen, dining area, and bedrooms, the cottages are
gently intertwined, with the roofs harmoniously “holding hands.”
In
doing so, small spaces with distinct characteristics and comfort levels are
created, while also allowing a sense of unity under one roof. The house
maintains a respectful distance that honors each family member’s time and
individuality while still fostering connection among the family, resulting in a
true embodiment of “a family holding hands.”
Project: nendo/Oki Sato (Chief Designer); Collaborator: Noritaka Ishibayashi, Koho Lin; Photographer: Masahiro Ohgami
