Kengo Kuma & Associates renovated selected elements of One Niseko Resort in Niseco, Hokkaido, one of the most popular skiing resorts in the world.
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| photo © One Niseko Resort Towers |
The Ainu people, found mainly in Hokkaido, worship nature and believe a spirit resides in every single tree. As a way of expressing their respect to the blessing of nature, the Ainus had the tradition of using the entire body of wood for their house – from its structure to its roofing made of the bark.
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| photo © One Niseko Resort Towers |
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| photo © One Niseko Resort Towers |
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| photo © One Niseko Resort Towers |
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| photo © One Niseko Resort Towers |
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| photo © One Niseko Resort Towers |
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| photo © One Niseko Resort Towers |
Descriptions from One Niseko Resort Towers:
The ONE Suite exemplifies One Niseko’s fundamental design concept of staying close to nature.
Tree bark in its natural state has an emotive yet powerful feel, so much of the wood used for the wall louvers in the sleeping area of the suite is largely untreated – even the flat surfaces have been only lightly touched.
The louvers are set at an angle to reveal the cut end-surfaces and bark, and are back-lit to enhance the overall atmosphere and warmth provided by the natural materials.
The long, narrow wooden counter running through the center of the room not only serves as a natural and convenient separator but also, through its elegant simplicity, adds to the ambience of the suite.
Living with nature – culture of the Ainu
For the Ainu, Japan’s indigenous people found mainly in Hokkaido, nature is an object of admiration, for in every tree there resides a god. And as an expression of the importance of receiving a benefit from nature, traditional Ainu houses make use of wood not just for the structural framework but also for roofs and walls using tree bark, leaving nothing wasted.
Through its style of architecture, One Niseko follows this way of thinking about coexisting with nature. The Ainu-inspired eaves at the front of the building comprise raw wood, gently welcoming guests in harmony with the surrounding environment.
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| photo © Kengo Kuma & Associates |
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| photo © Kengo Kuma & Associates |
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| photo © Kengo Kuma & Associates |
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| photo © Kengo Kuma & Associates |
Source: One Niseko Resort Tower
Kengo Kuma & Associates Architects
