Snøhetta unveiled a peaceful sanctuary overlooking Japan's famous Mount Yotei

Rusutsu-shi, Japan—Snowshoeing has designed NO HOTEL RUSUTSU, a new model for a holiday home in the breathtaking landscape of the island of Hokkaido for the Japanese hotel group, NO HOTELThe project is located at the peak of the famous Rusutsu Resort, known for the world's best powder snow in winter and as a relaxed outdoor and hiking destination in summer.

The 1200 square meter building offers stunning views of Mount Yotei and its clean, minimalist form is defined by the surrounding mountain terrain and sharp property boundaries. Two linear volumes lie vertically one above the other, each gently curved to slope down in the middle. The volume below is partially subterranean to accommodate a gym and sauna. Above is the living room and courtyard, which extends into a reception lounge, kitchen, dining area and outdoor bathroom.

The bedrooms and study float above the floor. The split-level layout improves functionality and architectural coherence and blends harmoniously with the contours of the surrounding natural landscape of Rusutsu.

“The basis for this project was our close collaboration with NOT A HOTEL. We immersed ourselves in the stunning mountain top, snow drifts, changing seasons and celestial zenith of the site to co-design the project. The project was shaped by the landscape and our shared experience and understanding of the site. Our approach always has a fundamental connection to nature and strives to create a deep unity between our environment and our design. For this project, we are inspired by the extraordinary natural setting and offer visitors a unique experience at the foot of the majestic Mount Yotei,” says Richard Wood, Managing Director of Snøhetta Asia.

Zenith

Snøhetta's design concept for the project draws inspiration from the zenith – the highest imaginary point above a specific location on the celestial sphere. This idea of ​​reaching new heights is reflected in Snøhetta's creation of spaces that elevate the human experience while paying tribute to the surrounding landscape and the majestic Mount Yotei. The central courtyard is the heart of the design and a place of community.

“The common spaces stimulate the mind, while the restful bedrooms refresh the soul. Our facilities, including indoor and outdoor bathrooms with spectacular views, gym and sauna, ensure the well-being of the body and aim to blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors and let nature in. The use of natural and local materials such as stone and wood embodies this project's holistic approach to human well-being and harmony with nature,” says Ana Castaingts, senior interior designer at Snøhetta.

The building's central courtyard embodies this concept and serves as a gathering place and place of reflection. It encourages both individual contemplation and communal activities, fostering a sense of aspiration and achievement in its tranquil environment.

The building's common areas are designed to stimulate the cognitive mind, while bedrooms and relaxation areas are designed to rejuvenate the mind. Other facilities, including the indoor and outdoor baths with views of Mount Yotei, the gym and sauna, promote physical well-being.

“Since 2020, we have been working as a startup to develop a new business model that calls on the world's most exceptional creative talents to design unique homes that build on Japan's incredible natural beauty. Today's announcement with Snøhetta and Kamori Kanko is a big step forward in realizing our mission. NOT A HOTEL RUSUTSU expands the possibilities of 21st century architecture in a single unforgettable design and offers the new pinnacle of design for holiday homes in Japan and around the world,” says Shinji Hamauzu, CEO and founder of NOT A HOTEL.

Invite nature

The glass facade and large windows enhance the seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces and invite you to experience nature inside the building. Accents of locally produced stone and wood complement the landscape and enhance sustainability and aesthetic harmony.

NOT A HOTEL offers its use to guests through shared ownership, inviting all guests to slow down, find peace in nature and embark on a journey of contemplative exploration.

The project was gradually advanced from July 2024.

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Press release and images courtesy of Snøhetta

Renderings by MIR