Chalet W

Chalet W
© Daisuke Shima

Chalet W

CASE-REAL

ARCHITECTS
Case-real

LIGHTING PLAN
Tatsuki Nakamura, Branch Lighting Design

MANUFACTURERS
Vectorworks, Ecosmart Fire, Osmo, Silent Gliss, Nord, P

CONSTRUCTION
Wakisaya Building Firm

ARCHITECT IN CHARGE
Koichi Futatsumata, Yuki Ohnita(Case-real)

DESIGN COOPERATION
Wakisaya Building Firm

PHOTOGRAPHS
Daisuke Shima

AREA
192 M²

YEAR
2019

LOCATION
Japan

CATEGORY
Houses

Chalet W
© Daisuke Shima

Text description provided by architect.

The client is a snowboard enthusiast who annually visits Japan from abroad for a short stay.

He wanted to create a chalet where he could spend time with his family during his stay and also relax and socialize with his guests.

The property was located in the Niseko area, a renowned ski destination, in the midst of a wooded area surrounded by white birches.

Chalet W
© Daisuke Shima
Chalet W
© Daisuke Shima
Chalet W
© Daisuke Shima

The client requested maximum floor space possible for the site, a seating area for guests to relax, and an open living and dining area with a window looking out at the symbolic Mt Yotei.

The first issue in the planning process was the form, the volume of the building.

he area is one of the heaviest snowfall areas in Hokkaido, and we had to comply strictly with the regulations on the distance of falling snow (the distance from the neighboring land that must be secured based on the slope and height of the roof).

Chalet W
© Daisuke Shima
Chalet W
© Daisuke Shima

However, the site had a short side of 10 meters, meaning that the width of the volume would be very small if the building was to have a gabled roof like a chalet, and in turn, only a narrow building with a low ceiling would be possible.

On the other hand, the client wanted a form that was not monotonous and box shaped. Therefore, we decided to create a volume that minimizes the distance of falling snow while securing the floor area and ceiling height as much as possible by incorporating a moderate combination of flat and sloped roofs.

Chalet W
© Daisuke Shima
Chalet W
© Daisuke Shima

As a result, we were able to create a distinctive interior space that incorporates the sloped surface which serves as the roof outdoors, as well as the ceiling and walls indoors. Two large, deep windows were installed in the sloped area.

From here, Mt. Yotei can be seen. In addition to the two large bay windows, a small zashiki seating was designed in one repeating sequence. This allowed us to create a calm space without disturbing the openness of the entire second floor, which serves as the living and dining area.

Chalet W
© Daisuke Shima
Chalet W
© Daisuke Shima

The owner is also an art collector, thus the walls and ceilings were finished in white, and the flooring and fixtures in a saturated color scheme to create a contrast with the view from the windows and the artworks installed.

The exterior walls were made of local cedar stained in light gray, and the roof was made of silver-colored steel sheets.

Chalet W
© Daisuke Shima
Chalet W
© Daisuke Shima

Here we aimed to create an architecture that can blend into the snowy landscape of the white birches


Chalet W
© Daisuke Shima
Chalet W
© Daisuke Shima
Chalet W
© Daisuke Shima
Chalet W
© Daisuke Shima
Chalet W
© Daisuke Shima
Chalet W
© Daisuke Shima
Chalet W
© Daisuke Shima
Chalet W
© Daisuke Shima

Chalet W
© Daisuke Shima
Chalet W
© Daisuke Shima


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