Katsuhiko Endo Architect and Associates

This vacation home was planned in a resort community which is located at a height of 1,700 meters above sea level at the foot of Yatsugatake. The site slopes gradually towards the east-southeast and the surrounding area is covered with white birches and bamboo, leaving strong impression of the thick woods. The site has been subdivided at a plentiful space that gave us an excellent surrounding natural environment to realize the project. The building is designed with a number of box shapes that are variously layered or staggered following the slope towards the rear of the site. The volume of each box shape contains independent functions, with each space being composed with different characteristics, such as the volume for the entrance, living, dining and kitchen area, and the sanitary space. When you step inside the entrance, which is designed as a closed box, you will automatically find the volume for the living, dining and kitchen area because of the height difference of these box volumes. Visitor’s eye level is sequentially led towards to the back of the volumes where there is a widespread open living space with a height of 4 meters. The trees are the only thing in your eyes there. Despite this building’s openness, we made it possible for the client to use the villa throughout the year by taking a full advantage of the great environment and also providing facilities and performance capable of withstanding the harsh climate at a height of 1,700 meters above sea level. We designed this villa to lead the scenery of fresh green leaves as well as the white snow into the living room.