Hirafu Retreat Villa
A residence designed for a family that enjoys outdoor activities throughout the four seasons.
The vision was to create a retreat villa for physical relaxation, social interaction, and spiritual reflection, ensuring a seamless transition between activity and recovery. This is realized through the layout that allows direct access to the spa upon returning from the outdoors, passing through the entrance lounge and ski room, which function as intermediate zones between the exterior and interior.
On the cliff side facing Mt. Yotei, the building volume is staggered along the topography of the site. This draws inspiration from gankou, a traditional Japanese spatial arrangement technique used to forge an organic relationship with the surroundings. This configuration maximizes the expanse of the facade while capturing panoramic views in multiple directions.
For the interior, to harmonize with the mineral-rich earth of the Hirafu Valley, we envisioned a space where one can perceive the inherent textures of the materials' particles, resonating with the particles (cells) of the human body.
We sought to discover the architectural solution for the "Timeless" design within the beauty of sabi—an aesthetic etched by the passage of time.
The front courtyard welcomes guests at the entrance drop-off. The delicate sound of the waterfall and the tranquil water basin evoke a sense of purification of mind and body, embodying the essence of the villa as a sanctuary for spiritual relaxation.
Upon entering, guests are welcomed by a ski lounge featuring a 12-meter-high atrium. Designed as a traditional doma—a transitional space between the interior and exterior— it serves as a waiting lounge that facilitates comfortable pre-departure preparations and post-outing cleanup. Guests can seamlessly access the spa area through the adjacent ski room and attached locker room.
Composed of materials inspired by the landscape of Hirafu Valley—such as earthen walls, ore, waterfalls, and boulders—the space harmonizes the liberating feeling of being in nature with a sophisticated atmosphere. Light filtering through the water-basin skylight and glass blocks casts mesmerizing patterns on the walls and floor.
The public spaces feature staggered layout (gankou) that gently articulates each area while maintaining a sense of unity, integrating a communal openness with subtle privacy.
Designed as a vibrant gathering space, the lounge features a mid-century modern aesthetic that highlights material texture. The cushion-floored theater room can be enclosed with sliding partitions to become a private space.
