hiroshi nakamura & NAP architects builds treehouse in japan

‘tree hut on volcano’ offers a gateway from the bustling city

finding a tiny open space among the trees, hiroshi nakamura and NAP architects has nestled a treehouse, seeking the richness of the minimal life. the clients, a couple with a profound love for nature and minimalist lifestyle, started a company selling tiny houses, commissioning the architects to design the prototype.

the resulting composition topped by a wooden hut and penetrated by a dogwood tree is located at the junction point between craftsmanship, sculpture, and architecture. settled about two kilometers from owakudani, a volcanic valley in japan filled with sulfuric plumes, the treehouse spans 19sqm in a structure that is lifted around five meters above the ground. by erecting the volume, the design team aimed to avoid the visibility of the nearby streets and the heavy air containing hydrogen sulfide and moisture flowing near the ground surface. all images by koji fujii / toreal

treehouse: an archetype of habitats

according to the clients’ requirements, the design strives to create a gateway from the bustling city. the treehouse rests on solid steel columns 15cm in diameter, while the entrance is realized through a staircase that blends with the forest. the round deck on which stands the entire construction is pierced by a tree, creating shade in the summer and sunlight in winter when it sheds its leaves. meanwhile, the three columns are designed to sway slightly when the wind blows or inhabitants move.

despite the limitations of space, it includes all the necessities and comforts for its inhabitants. the interior evokes tones of the surrounding landscape, providing a warm and intimate atmosphere. a large south-facing window opens towards the forest, creating a separation from the mundane world. sublime light downpours from the skylight — formed by the highest point of the hut — creating a serene atmosphere around a custom-made fireplace, where visitors can rest and enjoy the views.

the central space resembles a shrine, seeking to reflect its rich connection with nature and the sentiment of the people in the region for the neighboring mountain kamiyama. ‘the two branched-log pillars in the north are placed in symmetry like a shrine gate, indicating that a sanctuary lies beyond. when viewing from deep in the room, one’s perspective of the trapezoidal plan is corrected and a square space appears, within which the sacred fire stand enshrines, corresponding to the holy fire before a buddhist alter and the shinto shrine’s fire burning ceremony,’ the architects mentioned. ‘the project is essentially an experiment seeking the richness of a frugal life lived with delicate sensitivity towards nature and faith-like humility.’

topped by a hut-like roof