Cantilevered over the cliff at the bottom of Lower Hirafu Village, with unprecedented views up two perpendicular reaches of the Shiribetsu River with Mt Yotei above, The Clearwater is among the most spectacular developments in Niseko.
This majestic home boasts a strong exterior but with intelligent architecture opens up inside with large, light living areas and an undeniable connection with the nature outside.
Embedded in the cliff top, the 665sqm building hovers amongst shirakaba (silver birch) treetops, its interaction with its surroundings changing with the seasons. Hidden amongst the foliage in spring and summer, it transforms in late autumn as the leaves fall from the trees revealing spectacular views from all corners of the home.
”Clearwater's name is derived from the pure snowmelt that flows in the river below
Naoki Seshimo, one of the project architects, says the building “borrows” from its location, a trait common in Japanese architecture. “Where appropriate, the architecture draws the landscapes both near and far into the house by framing the views of the surrounding environment,” Seshimo-san says.
“The architecture would not be complete without the surrounding flora – foliage in the autumn, delicate branches in the snow scape, sprinkled leaf buds in the spring, and lush greenery in the summer.”
The building takes the form of three rectangular “blocks” supporting one another in alternating layers with three distinct areas: the lowest semi-underground level containing a “wellness area” with gym and onsen-style bath; the middle ground level the public domain of the house; and the top level private bedrooms.
Upon approach the façade seems closed, offering privacy from the street and neighbouring properties. However, after entering it offers an element of surprise as the building opens to the landscape on the other side, allowing the impact of its location to unfold as guests walk through the house. “Openness and privacy – what seemed to be contradictory initially – in the end helped to enhance the panoramic views from the site,” Seshimo-san says.
“Altogether, the building provides an environment that is simultaneously a luxurious celebration of the client’s many accomplishments, and a warm, casual, cabin-like space for both physical and mental relaxation with family and friends.”
The powerful but minimalist exterior contrasts with the abundant use of natural wood and stone interior finishes which, together with the generously dimensioned furniture, provide supreme comfort. Pale timbers bounce light through the house and balance with the grey stone and concrete exterior. A geometrically elegant staircase provides views of the forest at different levels as guests move between floors, and is designed to serve as a symbolic, sculptural element.
Entertaining and dining with friends and family were key considerations in the design brief. The main living area is split into two distinct zones – the kitchen and dining space featuring a 10-person solid walnut dining table with live edge, and an enormous lounge room that spills out onto its own external patio below Mt Yotei. A sunken lounge serves as an intermediary between dining and living, and an alternative space to enjoy Mt Yotei.
Adjacent to the kitchen and dining on the forest side is a paved terrace area with outdoor lounge setting, dining table and barbecue overlooking a sunken courtyard landscaped into the cliff face below. This outdoor living space is entirely designed for green-season recreation and living.
The use of light throughout is articulate and the architect has cleverly embraced the rectangular shape of the block to maximise not only the footprint of the building, but also its views and aspect to the seasonal path of the sun. On the top floor, a long hallway with a rectangular slit window running horizontally along its length offers a view to Mt Annupuri no matter where you stand, and allows angulated light to illuminate the entire level. This hallway leads to each of the five retreat-style en suite bedrooms set amidst the treetops, leaves and branches almost close enough to touch.
One of the most spectacular features of the home is the master bedroom, which crowns the building on the second floor with panoramic southerly views over the river and fields to Mt Yotei. A large balcony juts out into the top of the tree line, reaching out towards Mt Yotei and offering a truly unique vantage point in Hirafu, inspiring a feeling akin to standing on a ship’s bow.
With its superlative location, imposing size and decadent layout, The Clearwater is representative of the next wave of boundary-pushing architecture focussed on Niseko. However, with its complete consideration for liveability in all seasons – rather than just as a winter ski chalet – it’s also a poignant representative of the evolution of Niseko from winter ski resort to four-seasons lifestyle destination.