on the northern japanese island of hokkaido, florian busch architects has completed a two-storey winter residence with uninterrupted views of a nearby volcanic mountain. commissioned for a region that is commonly referred to as one of the world’s best winter destinations, the brief for the project called for a design that was simple, energy-efficient, and maintenance-free.

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all images by florian busch architects, apart from main image © glen claydon

 

 

named ‘K house’, florian busch architects oriented the secluded property towards mount yōtei, offering constant views of its snowy peak. conceived as a private retreat from the outside world, a wide entrance extends throughout the property, culminating in a terrace at the rear of the scheme. upon entry, glimpses of the sky are offered via the stairwell, with the ground floor also containing the home’s main bedroom.

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the building is clad with aluminium-zinc coated steel

 

 

the house is perfectly square in plan, a simplicity reflected in the building’s straightforward construction. at the upper level, locally sourced cedar beams and columns define a large open volume. containing the guest room and bath respectively, two small boxes are placed within this grid. the remaining space accommodates the dwelling’s primary living accommodation, with lounge, dining, and kitchen areas joining a private study.

florian-busch-architects-K-house-in-niseko-hokkaido-japan-designboom
upon entry, glimpses of the sky are offered via the stairwell

 

 

externally, the building appears as a homogeneous unit amid the landscape. clad with aluminum-zinc coated steel, the façade subtly reflects the scheme’s picturesque surroundings and their ever-changing tones visible throughout the day. internally, white surfaces have been used to complement the cedar wood, with square openings presenting framed views of the rural terrain.

florian-busch-architects-K-house-in-niseko-hokkaido-japan-designboom-02
the ground floor also contains the home’s main bedroom

florian-busch-architects-K-house-in-niseko-hokkaido-japan-designboom-02
at the upper level, locally sourced cedar beams and columns define a large open volume

florian-busch-architects-K-house-in-niseko-hokkaido-japan-designboom-02
the house is perfectly square in plan, a simplicity reflected in the building’s construction

florian-busch-architects-K-house-in-niseko-hokkaido-japan-designboom-02
square openings present framed views of the rural terrain

florian-busch-architects-K-house-in-niseko-hokkaido-japan-designboom-02
the dwelling’s primary accommodation includes living, dining, and kitchen areas

florian-busch-architects-K-house-in-niseko-hokkaido-japan-designboom-02
white surfaces have been used to complement the locally sourced cedar wood

florian-busch-architects-K-house-in-niseko-hokkaido-japan-designboom-02
‘K house’ is located on the northern japanese island of hokkaido

 

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florian busch architects K house in niseko hokkaido japan designboom
 
florian busch architects K house in niseko hokkaido japan designboom
 
florian busch architects K house in niseko hokkaido japan designboom
 
florian busch architects K house in niseko hokkaido japan designboom
 
florian busch architects K house in niseko hokkaido japan designboom
 
florian busch architects K house in niseko hokkaido japan designboom
 
florian busch architects K house in niseko hokkaido japan designboom
 
florian busch architects K house in niseko hokkaido japan designboom
 

 

project info:

 

name: K house in niseko
location: niseko, hokkaido, japan
completion: 2017
type: residential
project team: FBA: florian busch, sachiko miyazaki, suguru takahashi, renee reder
contractor: wakisaka corporation
structure: timber frame
gross floor area: 180 sqm + 17 sqm terrace

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