Surrounded by a mix of rustic cottages and newer residential developments in Lower Hirafu Village, recently completed residential project Cloud 9 stands out with its bold architectural expression.
Composed of three irregularly-stacked, timber-clad rectangular volumes that rest on a 710sqm plot of land, Cloud 9 is a striking addition to Hirafu’s new wave of ultra-modern architecture. Punctuating the skyline sharply with vivid angles against its natural surrounds, Cloud 9’s form, material and placement intelligently harmonises with the Hirafu landscape.
”Cloud 9’s sculptural facade signals an architectural intention and sensibility that goes beyond its three-dimensional form
Designed by Tokyo-based architecture firm SAAD, Cloud 9 was envisioned as three metaphoric layers of snow and ice that build up over time in winter. Similarly, each of the three individual volumes embodies its own distinct textural qualities and spatial programs.
With a total floor area of 308sqm, the holiday home comprises three bedrooms and four bathrooms. Beyond the genkan and extended hallway on the ground level is a private custom bath area, which includes a four-person sauna, a relaxation area and rain shower. This offers a unique Japanese hot spring experience for the family and their guests.
On the second level is an expansive open-plan living, dining and kitchen area custom-made for entertaining. The island counter is designed for personalised dining experiences with guest chefs, of which there are an increasing number in Niseko. On the steel-finished counter are recessed individual shabu shabu (hotpot) hot plates. The third level consists of the master bedroom with ensuite, and two guest bedrooms with a shared bathroom. Its design, layout and functionality combine flawlessly to create a truly unique family holiday home.
The brilliance of design is realised when it delivers pleasing aesthetics with heightened functionality. With something as simple as a small ‘shift’ in the central layer of the design, the architect has completely altered the building and its interactions with its natural surrounds. This shift not only succeeds in giving Cloud 9 a dynamic and striking character, it also multiplies the indoor-outdoor living spaces by providing an open terrace, porch and undercover parking. This one gesture provides three fabulous benefits to its functionality, while also being the essence of its appearance.
The offset means that each level of the building receives light differently through the year and forces an emphasis on direction. The views captured through each glass front at the end of the tubular layer are unique, while the depth of the building seems to channel the scenery from outside, bringing it closer. It is this depth that ensures people in the building feel closer to the views they see through the windows.
The layers and additional geometry ensure the building adapts with the seasons. In winter, gathering snow on the open terrace, porch and small gaps between each layer, its staggered design is emphasised and the connection to the ebb and flow of the snowbound season is obvious. Snow is part of the design.
As green replaces white, the building takes on an entirely different flavour. The open outdoor living areas are the perfect summer spaces to embrace the temperate summers of Hokkaido. The exterior has been clad in local cedar, giving it a naturally aged look. The vertical lines of the exterior give a harmonious hum to the forested surrounds of Hirafu, and while the building holds an enormous presence, it’s placement on the block and slender form have given careful consideration to surrounding property boundaries and ensure a shared view of Mt Yotei with the neighbours behind.
It is this connection to nature that has inspired much of the creative ingenuity throughout. The rectangular levels are open at either end, providing see-through views from front to back. Less partitions ensure clear lines of vision on each level ensuring your awareness of the outside is never entirely masked.
This transparency is something rarely found in a city or dense urban environment but seems entirely suited to the quiet village life of Hirafu, tucked away in the wilderness of Japan’s most northern island.
This article appeared in Powderlife 2017
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