As a licenced builder and construction manager in New Zealand and having lived in Japan for over 15 years, Niseko Projects founder Dominic Wehner has found his passion and niche helping clients navigate the issues of building in Hokkaido’s snowy north.
Coming from New Zealand, Hokkaido’s extreme alpine environment was initially an eye opener, but after living in Niseko full time and completing over 20 new properties, Niseko Proects is now a specialist in alpine design and construction. Here are Niseko Projects’ top 5 tips for designing your dream ski lodge in the mountains of Niseko.
01 The Japanese Genkan
In Niseko the entrance often combines features of the western ‘boot room’ and the Japanese entrance or ‘genkan’. The entrance ideally provides a place where ski boots or snow shoes are removed, and slippers donned before entering the house proper. Wet weather gear is often hung up in this room, and under-floor heating helps melt snow off jackets and boots while also providing a warm welcoming atmosphere.
02 Resort Plan
With the resort averaging around 15m of snowfall every year, snow rapidly builds up around a property, often impairing views and light into the lower floors. By lifting the living areas to the second storey, views and light are maintained. Vaulted ceilings can add dramatic effect.
”03 Ski Lodge Luxury
The fireplace is often described as the heart of the home and is often the defining feature of a ski chalet or lodge.
However as a holiday home, the fireplace cannot be the primary heating source of the property, and the owner would no doubt rather spend time with the family on the slopes than cutting, stacking and storing firewood and keeping a good fire stoked. Thankfully gas fires can be started with the push of a button and provide all the appeal of a log fire without the fuss.
04 Energy Efficiency
Often overlooked, energy efficiency can only really be considered from the outset of a construction project, but can have a very large impact on the running costs of your property. As a rental property, energy efficiency will also help improve the returns on the investment.
05 Alpine Design
From a construction perspective, Niseko’s extreme snowfall requires good alpine design considerations for a safe and low maintenance property. However increasingly as Niseko becomes a four season resort, we also need to consider landscaping, paved driveways (with road heating for the winter), dramatic outdoor lighting, and BBQ areas for enjoyment (and bookings), year round!
– BY DOMINIC WEHNER
DIRECTOR, NISEKO PROJECTS
NISEKO PROJECTS
Partnered with Sapporo-based Japanese Grade 1 architectural firm CLA, Niseko Projects provides a single point of contact for architectural feasibility and design, construction contract facilitation, furniture procurement, and even landscaping. We will ensure all elements of your building or construction project are coordinated from initial concept through to final completion. Having been involved in projects such as Shiki Hotel, Akazora, MYecolodge and multiple private residences, Dominic brings a rare combination of skills and local experience to your project.
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Niseko Projects is a design, construction and project management consultancy
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Dominic Wehner
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This article appeared in Powderlife 2017
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