A “living, breathing” new building this winter sets the tone for the redevelopment and revitalisation of one of Hirafu’s main streets.
Along with angular planes and terraces, six-storey apartment/retail building Muse Niseko is wrapped in an “organic”, scale-like skin that casts shadows and catches falling snow, changing mood with the climate.
Architect Riccardo Tossani says it’s a building not only for its inhabitants but the community, adding life and amenity to the mundane main street, which he hopes will become known as Hirafu Boulevard.
“The skin of the building is something that gives it an organic dimension that works with the changing climate, so it’s a way of engaging with Niseko’s unique environment and Hirafu’s vibrant local character,” he says.
“As an iconic landmark, Muse will by default become the new gateway to Hirafu as well as a terminus to the Hirafu Boulevard pedestrian promenade.
“At pedestrian level, this winter will see the beginnings of a shop and café that utilises the wide boulevard sidewalk with terrace seating, events and other pedestrian-oriented activities to create a vibrant anchor at the Kutchan end of the street, promoting a more energetic pedestrian promenade.
“Effectively Muse and its promenade terrace will become a model for how other shops and owners should treat the sidewalks along the boulevard, giving priority to pedestrian activity rather than parking as has been the case to date.”
Muse will also be home to outdoor brand North Face’s flagship Japan concept store.
A terrace will be built out the front of the building for café seating, spilling out onto the sidewalk to provide a prominent al fresco dining court.
A Japanese calligraphy art installation by Rieko Kawabe will be displayed permanently in the lobby, with abstractions of Indigenous Ainu calligraphy.
Tossani says most apartments are owned by high profile identities who wanted to contribute to the cultural development of Niseko.
“Collectively the owners are sophisticated, enlightened people who wanted their building to be a significant architectural landmark in the area.”