The Clearwater House

THE CLEARWATER HOUSE

Seshimo Architects + Peter Hahn Associates

The Clearwater House
© Junji Kojima / 45gPhotography
The Clearwater House
© Junji Kojima / 45gPhotography

ARCHITECTS
Peter Hahn Associates, Seshimo Architects

MECHANICAL ENGINEER
Academic

PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Nisade

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
Kozo Keikaku Sekkeishitsu

MANUFACTURERS
AD WORLD, Poggenpohl, Sakura Shop

ART COORDINATION
Art Front Gallery

BUILDING AREA
342.01 m2

AREA
665 m²

SITE AREA
1,046.08 m2

YEAR
2017

LOCATION
Niseko, Japan

CATEGORY
Houses

The Clearwater House
© Aaron Jamieson
The Clearwater House
© Junji Kojima / 45gPhotography
The Clearwater House
© Aaron Jamieson

Text description provided by architect.

This vacation home on Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido sits on a bluff with a view of Mt. Yotei (also called Ezo Fuji for its resemblance to Mt. Fuji), overlooking a river that meanders slowly along the base of the mountain.

The structure cantilevers out over the bluff as if to float amidst the surrounding nature.

The Clearwater House
© Junji Kojima / 45gPhotography
The Clearwater House
© Junji Kojima / 45gPhotography

Its name, The Clearwater, is derived from the pure snowmelt from Mt. Yotei that flows in the river below.

Three rectangular forms support one another in alternating layers, which are clearly organized in the following manner: The lowest level containing a “wellness area,” the middle level (the ground floor) the public domain of the house, and the uppermost level (the second floor) private bedrooms.

The Clearwater House
© Aaron Jamieson
The Clearwater House
© Aaron Jamieson

There are two master bedrooms, each with its own view of either Mt. Yotei or Mt. Annupuri.

Upon approach, the façade seems closed. It offers privacy from the street and neighboring properties, but also offers an element of surprise as the building completely opens to the landscape on the other side: taking in panoramic views of Niseko area.

The Clearwater House
© Junji Kojima / 45gPhotography
The Clearwater House
© Junji Kojima / 45gPhotography

The grand staircase provides views of the forest at different levels as the guests move between the floors, and is designed to serve as a symbolic, sculptural element.

The minimalist exterior contrasts with the abundant use of natural wood and stone interior finishes, which together with the generously dimensioned furniture provide maximum comfort inside.

The Clearwater House
The Clearwater House
© Junji Kojima / 45gPhotography

Altogether, the building provides an environment that is simultaneously a luxurious celebration of the client’s many accomplishments, and a warm, casual, cabin-like space for both physical and mental relaxation with family and friends.


The Clearwater House
© Junji Kojima / 45gPhotography
The Clearwater House
© Junji Kojima / 45gPhotography
The Clearwater House
© Junji Kojima / 45gPhotography
The Clearwater House
© Junji Kojima / 45gPhotography
The Clearwater House
© Junji Kojima / 45gPhotography
The Clearwater House
© Junji Kojima / 45gPhotography
The Clearwater House
© Junji Kojima / 45gPhotography
The Clearwater House
© Aaron Jamieson
The Clearwater House
© Junji Kojima / 45gPhotography
The Clearwater House
© Junji Kojima / 45gPhotography
The Clearwater House
© Junji Kojima / 45gPhotography
The Clearwater House
© Junji Kojima / 45gPhotography


The Clearwater House
© Junji Kojima / 45gPhotography
The Clearwater House
© Junji Kojima / 45gPhotography
The Clearwater House
© Junji Kojima / 45gPhotography


The Clearwater House
Site Plan
The Clearwater House
Basement Floor Plan
The Clearwater House
First Floor Plan
The Clearwater House
Second Floor Plan


The Clearwater House
Longitudinal Section
The Clearwater House
Lateral Sections


The Clearwater House
Elevation 01
The Clearwater House
Elevation 02