Hotakaariake-PJ by KASA Architects

This project is planned as an integrated “live-work-lifestyle” building that combines a residence and an outdoor shop, located within the forest of Hotaka, Ariake, in Azumino, Nagano. Surrounded by abundant trees, the aim is to create a quiet and comfortable place that feels as if it has been gently placed within the forest. The ground floor is designed as a shop that opens toward the road, ensuring visibility, while incorporating a large terrace and exterior spaces that extend into the forest. These spaces are intended to foster workshops and social interaction, forming a community hub.

By gently drawing the flow of people and activity into the natural surroundings, the building acts as a mediator between the local community and the forest. In contrast, the second-floor residence opens deliberately toward the forest on the opposite side of the road, minimizing the presence of domestic life from the street. Each room frames views of the surrounding greenery, bringing the atmosphere of the forest into the interior and creating a calm living environment in harmony with nature. The exterior design prioritizes integration with the natural surroundings. The façade is finished with charred cedar, allowing the building to age gracefully and blend into the landscape with a quiet, understated presence. At a site where urban convenience and natural richness intersect, this architecture carefully weaves together the relationship between “openness” and “enclosure”.