The hotel, nestled in Niseko, Hokkaido, a world ski resort, embraces the essence of Japan's four seasons to offer guests an immersive experience beyond just winter snow. When we saw the magical moon illuminating Mount Yotei first time, we decided to create a design that depicts a sense of Japan where people and nature are connected with a special force. Since ancient times, Japan has a sensibility that cherishes nature. The Chinese ancient poem "Setsu Getsu Ka (Snow, Moon and Flowers)" is one such example, that expressed the aesthetic design sense for Japanese.

I think of you in the beautiful snow, the moon, the flowers of Niseko...

We think there is no better concept for this hotel that values human interaction. "Sense of Place" is an important element for the design. We thought the biggest sense of place is Mt Yotei and the nature surrounding it, and wanted to create a living experience where you feel a sense of unity with the outside scenery.

The interior design has three features.

A windowsill daybed bench called "ENGAWA" runs from one end of the room to the other, and the eaves-like drop ceiling above the window. This is an analogy of the rim and attic on the outer periphery of a traditional Japanese dwelling. The window edge becomes an extension of the floor and the drop ceiling becomes an extension of the ceiling. The view between floor and ceiling is completely open. The windowsill daybed becomes an intermediate area between the interior and the exterior allowing the user to feel more connected to the scenery beyond.

Japanese spaces are usually designed relative to the eyelevel of the person sitting on the Tatami mat. Lowering the center of gravity of the room design creates a unique sense of liberation in terms of the height. A horizontal design further emphasizes the low center of gravity. The interior dares to use less material, more cohesive tones, understated contrasts and soft indirect lighting to enhance the ever-changing scenery of Niseko’s seasons.

The design of the hotel intended to strike a balance between the needs of international hospitality and a ‘relaxing in a Japanese space’ experience. It needed a different approach from designing a traditional luxury hotel and adding random Japanese elements into the space. We designed the space by understanding the meaning and formation of Japan design, and then expressing that spirit with a contemporary design method.

Experiencing Hokkaido was also an important key. The hotel embraces the principle of "local production for local consumption" as a nod to sustainability and local culture, sourcing more materials from the area such as timber from Hokkaido and using stones dug up from the site for the dry garden. It also incorporates traditional materials, such as Ajiro woven ceilings and ancient Japanese silver leaf signs. Procurement of materials from Hokkaido and other parts of Japan stimulates the local economy, shortens construction times and reduces environmental impact.