WONDERWALL

Located in Kita-Karuizawa, Gunma Prefecture, "NOT A HOTEL KITAKARUIZAWA MASU" is designed with the concept of "Living the Life of a Modern Suki - As you like it." This space was created for contemporary enthusiasts of suki, the Japanese aesthetic of refined taste and appreciation.

The design draws inspiration from the residence of architect Kenzo Tange, which he designed for himself in Seijo, Tokyo, and completed in 1953. This home conveys a sense of Tange’s intention to reinterpret the traditional sukiya-zukuri style through the lens of modernism. Focusing on the shared elements between Japanese design principles and Western architectural philosophies, this project reinterprets and re-edits cultural traditions to create a living space updated for the modern era.

The ground floor features a piloti structure that naturally connects the indoor living area to the outdoor living space and the surrounding forest beyond. On the second floor, the traditional wooden grid system has been modernized with a steel frame, forming a plan of eight combined 4×4-meter squares. Encircling the entire space is a 360° deck, seamlessly integrating the structure with the forest environment. The furniture selection focuses on masterpieces from the mid-20th century, carefully curated to embody a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western aesthetics.

Sales began on October 17, 2024, with completion scheduled for autumn 2026.

NOT A HOTEL KITAKARUIZAWA MASU: 2286-340 Hosohara, Oaza Omae, Tsumagoi-mura, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture, Japan