Ski Resort

Hokkaido, Japan

We prepared a speculative masterplan for a small Hokkaido ski resort, combining commercial amenities, public spaces, and 57 apartments with penthouses on the flatter western end, and 25 private sloped-roof ski chalets on the hillier eastern end.

The existing topography was retained as much as possible to minimize earthworks and disruption to the natural landscape. The chalet arrangement creates optimum movement around the site and access to each chalet is determined by its position on the slope.

The resort is designed to optimise the views of the surrounding landscape from each apartment and chalet, with very little overlooking between buildings. Sunset decks, rooftop chalets and the plaza will feel expansive yet convivial, in contrast to private and cosy apartments and chalets.

The material palette is simple and natural with concrete structures, zinc roofs and facades in Karamatsu, the local Japanese larch timber. The Karamatsu will be used internally in parts of the structure of the apartments and the chalets to add texture and warmth.