The Clearwater Building, Hokkaido Home, Niseko House, Japanese Property Photos

The Clearwater Building in Hokkaido

Weekend House in Japan design by Seshimo Architects + Peter Hahn Associates

post updated 20 Mar 2021 ; 15 Nov 2017

The Clearwater Building – Hokkaido House

Design: Seshimo Architects + Peter Hahn Associates

Location: Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan

The Clearwater Building

This vacation home on Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido sits on a bluff with a view of Mt. Yotei (also called Ezo Fuji for its resemblance to Mt. Fuji), overlooking a river that meanders slowly along the base of the mountain. The structure cantilevers out over the bluff as if to float amidst the surrounding nature. Its name, The Clearwater, is derived from the pure snowmelt from Mt. Yotei that flows in the river below.

Three rectangular forms support one another in alternating layers, which are clearly organized in the following manner: The lowest level containing a “wellness area,” the middle level (the ground floor) the public domain of the house, and the uppermost level (the second floor) private bedrooms. There are two master bedrooms, each with its own view of either Mt. Yotei or Mt. Annupuri.

Upon approach, the façade seems closed. It offers privacy from the street and neighboring properties, but also offers an element of surprise as the building completely opens to the landscape on the other side: taking in panoramic views of Niseko area.

The grand staircase provides views of the forest at different levels as the guests move between the floors, and is designed to serve as a symbolic, sculptural element. The minimalist exterior contrasts with the abundant use of natural wood and stone interior finishes, which together with the generously dimensioned furniture provide maximum comfort inside.

Altogether, the building provides an environment that is simultaneously a luxurious celebration of the client’s many accomplishments, and a warm, casual, cabin-like space for both physical and mental relaxation with family and friends.

The Clearwater Building in Hokkaido – Building Information

Architecture: Seshimo Architects + Peter Hahn Associates
Structural Engineer: Kozo Keikaku Sekkeishitsu
Mechanical Engineer: Academic
FFE Coordinator: Workshop Miro
Art Coordination: Art Front Gallery
Project Management: Nisade

Project Outline
Location: Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan
Date of Completion: January 2017
Principal Use: Residence
Structure: Reinforced Concrete
Site Area: 1,046.08 sqm
Building Area: 342.01 sqm
Total Floor Area: 665.21 sqm

About Seshimo Architects
Seshimo Architects, established in 2008, is a studio concerned with natural light and geometry.
Both partners have over 20 years of experience as an architects.

Naoki Seshimo: Chief Director and co-founder of Seshimo Architects
Prior to co-founding Seshimo Architects, Naoki worked with Alvaro Siza in Porto. Naoki has a B. Architecture and B. Fine Arts from Rhode Island School of Design, and is a registered architect in Japan and USA (NCARB certified)

Junko Seshimo: Director and co-founder of Seshimo Architects
Prior to co-founding Seshimo Architects, Junko worked with Eduardo Souto de Moura in Porto, and also with Yoshio Taniguchi in Japan, where she was one of the Project Architects for the new Museum of Modern Art in New York. Junko has a B. Engineering from Tokyo University and M. Architecture from Columbia University, and is a registered architect in Japan.

Peter Hahn Associates

Peter Hahn: Principal of Peter Hahn Associates

Thirty years of experience as an architect both in the US and in Japan. The projects ranged from residential, hospitality, commercial buildings and cultural facilities. Possesses strong building technology and construction knowledge. His unique international experience, both professional and personal, is reflected in his work, transcending all cultural and stylistic boundaries.

Photography: Junji Kojima / 45gPhotography, Aaron Jamieson

The Clearwater Building in Hokkaido images / information from Jun Igarashi Architects Inc.

Location: Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan

Hokkaido Building Designs

Hokkaido Buildings

Kasho Gyoen Hotel Accommodation, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, northern Japan
Architects: Hiramoto Design Studio

photography: Koji Fujii / Nacása&Partners Inc
Kasho Gyoen Hotel in Hokkaido