NATURE WITHIN
Not a Hotel - Design Competition
Kitakaruizawa, Japan
First Prize
2024
Nestled in the pristine landscape of Kitakaruizawa, Japan, the design harmonizes architecture with nature. Suspended between natural rock formations, the house features an elliptical roof that blends into the terrain. Glass facades frame forest views, while materials like warm wood and earthy textures echo the site’s essence.
A DIALOGUE WITH THE EARTH
Our 1st-prize-winning proposal, “Nature Within,” is set to begin construction in 2026, redefining the relationship between architecture and its natural context. Located in Kitakaruizawa, Japan, the project embraces a site rich in natural rock formations, not as obstacles to be removed but as integral components of the design. These rocks play dual roles as load-bearing elements and defining interior features, reducing the need for extensive artificial foundations while preserving the site’s unique character.
The house is embedded into the earth, following the natural slope and contours of the landscape to establish a harmonious connection with its surroundings. Shaped as an imperfect ellipse, the building’s form flows organically with the terrain, softening the transition between structure and nature. This geometry enables the house to emerge subtly from the ground, with the rocks anchoring the design both physically and aesthetically.
The lower façade is predominantly glass, offering panoramic views of the forest and allowing natural light to flood the interior. This transparency blurs the boundary between inside and outside, enabling residents to feel deeply connected to the surrounding environment. At the same time, the roof appears to hover gently over the rocks, enhancing the sense of balance between architecture and the landscape.
ECHOES OF NATURE WITHIN
Materiality further enhances this connection. Warm wood, dark earthy textures, and industrial metal elements create a tactile interior that reflects the rugged beauty of the site. By integrating the rocks in their original positions, the house becomes a living part of the land, celebrating the raw essence of nature rather than overpowering it.
“Nature Within” represents a seamless integration of built and natural elements. It reimagines nature not as a backdrop but as a living, breathing element that interacts with and flows through the architecture. The result is a timeless home that respects, enhances, and reflects its environment.
