REAL ESTATE NEWS
Zekkei has disclosed plans for its latest development together with Hoshino Resorts – Hoshinoya-brand resort residences at the very top of Hirafu Village.
The name of the “modern Japanese meets European alpine luxury” condominium-hotel has been revealed as Hoshinoya Hütte Niseko – hütte being the German word for hut.
Developer Zekkei says the location at the uppermost point of Hirafu inspired the name.
”The idea is that it’s like a cosy wooden hut on top of a mountain, where mountaineers find shelter, warmth and friendship
“The peaked roofline represents huts and lodges in a mountain village, with lots timber and alpine materials.
“It gives a sense of adventure where people can gather in the warmth after a day in the mountains.
“So that atmosphere is what we feel this location represents – a luxurious sanctuary for skiers at the very highest point of Hirafu.”
It will be built on the historical site of Niseko’s first onsen (hot spring) hotel, Yamada Onsen, which opened in 1897 (first photo below from Hokkai Taikan published 1914; and a later incarnation circa 1980s).
Hoshinoya is one of Japan’s most prestigious luxury hotel brands, with six properties in Japan, one in Taiwan and another in Bali.
Hoshinoya Hütte Niseko will be the first Hoshinoya in a ski resort, although the current Hoshino Resorts CEO Yoshiharu Hoshino is a passionate skier who hits the slopes more than 60 days a year.
The architect for Hoshinoya Hütte Niseko is Rie Azuma, president of Azuma Architect & Associates, who has designed all of Hoshinoya’s properties.
Azuma-san says she is careful to align their buildings with the local culture.
“In traditional town districts in Europe, there is an emphasis on how buildings are designed,” Azuma-san says.
“I took the Graduate Architectural Program at Cornell University, which was at the centre of contextualism, in which design is based on an analysis of the surrounding environment including cultural and historic background.
“That is why, even with small houses, I make sure I read the context of the place where it’s going to be built.”
A standout feature of the six-storey condo will host an expansive, mixed-gender rooftop onsen pool overlooking Hirafu Village towards Mt Yotei.
The 5-storey building will have about 60 units ranging from hotel rooms to 4-bedroom apartments, and include five penthouses.
Construction is set to commence in May and with completion expected in July 2027.
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