Snøhetta has designed a 1,200 square metre house for Not A Hotel, the Japanese brand of designer holiday homes, within the Rusutsu Resort: we are in a ski resort on Mount Yōtei, a stratovolcano on the island of Hokkaido, Japan, part of the Shikotsu-Tōya National Park.

Not A Hotel Rusutsu will feature a crescent shape, inspired by the local topography: the lower part will be partially underground and will house a sauna and gym, while the curved edges of the upper floor will be cantilevered. The center of the floor plan will be represented by the lounge, the heart of the entire home. The exterior will be clad in locally sourced anthracite-colored stone and blackened wood, to blend seamlessly with the landscape, while large windows will valorize the views on the surrounding environment. Inside, the wood will have warmer tones, while green will be the main tone for the furnishings.

Opening image: Courtesy Snøhetta