fragrance company atelier frames generous views of iconic mount fuji in japan

Built to face mt fuji

Boasting generous views of Mt Fuji, the Kurashi No Kaori Atelier by Architecture Laboratory for Art (ALA) is shaped as a simple and tranquil factory space for a fragrance company near Lake Yamanaka, in Japan. The building takes shape as an arrangement of five staggered volumes with sloping roofs, each housing a different function. Besides the factory spaces, the structure also houses a café, shop, and guest rooms, while all spaces are strategically positioned to face the famed mountain.

all images courtesy of Architecture Laboratory for Art (ALA) 

matryoshka doll-like structure

Surrounded by tall trees, a serene lake, and the iconic mountain, the site enjoys a very close relationship with its natural surroundings. With this context in mind, Architecture Laboratory for Art (ALA) wanted to create a building that combines fragrance products, natural surroundings, and everyday human life altogether. The atelier is essentially formed as ‘a friendly symbol’ welcoming visitors in. 

The layout translates the required functions into five volumes of different sizes, avoiding the typical feeling of a big factory structure. The box volumes are carefully positioned to create a matryoshka doll-like visual effect. The shifted composition makes it possible for every room to enjoy the mountainous views, while the windows are shaped in random proportions revealing different perspectives of Mt Fuji. In the meantime, the structure incorporates a series of sloping roof with rafters that point to the direction of the mountain and give off a welcoming aura.

simplicity and tranquility

The main interior theme is simplicity and tranquility, in order to reflect the identity of the fragrance company. The inner spaces prioritize natural light and natural views, incorporating multiple openings of different sizes. Structural plywood walls are exposed and painted in blue-green —the company’s signature color— making soft contrast with the orange-colored eave background.

project info:

name: KURASHI NO KAORI Atelier
designer: Architecture Laboratory for Art (ALA)
location: Lake Yamanaka, Japan

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edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom