Journey
This project is a small path connecting three areas—a parking lot, villas, and a spa. Nature and the mountains aren’t enclosed but experienced through a process of discovery.
Cicle
Early humans drew on stone, and the perfect circles of celestial bodies inspired mystery and exploration.
Using this form in North Karuizawa recalls tribal settlement patterns and symbolizes humanity’s presence on Earth.
Epilogue / Ruins
Managing a building’s end of life in nature is essential.
Above-ground structures are mainly steel, designed to be dismantled and reused. Only the concrete base and spa path remain, leaving subtle traces of human intervention that nature can gradually reclaim.
architecture
architecture
Minerals represent the accumulated history of our planet, expressing the forces and weight of nature.
Human beings later developed techniques to transform minerals into metals, creating various kinds of tools and using them as architectural materials. Through polishing, these developments eventually led to the creation of mirrors—objects that allow humans to see and recognize themselves.
The projection of the self led humans to pursue beauty and explore their own identity. Narcissism is a human trait, and in this project, we aim to give that trait to nature as well. We offer mirrors in which nature can feel beautiful and take center stage.
This project transforms stone into a curtain of mirrors, hiding human life behind the scenes while making nature’s rightful vanity the main character.
private villa
vanitas
Karuizawa, Nagano, Japan
2024
useful
mistakes
