Located on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, Niseko is renowned around the world for its winter powder snow. HANAZONO EDGE project lies at the core of one of four interlinked ski resorts, Niseko United, Hanazono Resort ski facilities, all of which are nestled within Niseko Annupuri mountain terrain.

The building features a café, restaurant and bar on the ground and upper levels, and offices and instructor waiting rooms in the basement. The new restaurant, along with the Park Hyatt Niseko Hotel and Residences, was completed at the same time as the former ski center (now a ski school), and surround the snow park at the foot of the slope, creating an integrated luxury resort. An iconic design was needed for the restaurant, as it directly faces the slope, assuming significant stature.

Dynamic Form
The building’s iconic profile becomes visible when gliding down from the top of the ski slopes, as its shape resembles the dynamic movement of a soaring skier against the all-white background. Specially selected building materials have warm, mainly wood-like attributes, and are aimed at providing an atmosphere for visitors looking forward to a short break, or after enjoying a long day on the slopes.

A closer look at the building reveals wide, welcoming eaves supported by slender pillars. The first floor access level steps were raised 1.3m above the ground in consideration for snow cover. Their broad, cascading design allows for so-called “Après ski” (post-ski socializing). 

At the roof level, the height of the waterproofed parapet and the shape of the wooden eaves were designed to prevent the formation of “snow eaves,” which often develop with heavy snow fall, and to reduce the danger of accumulated snow falling from the roof.

Open & Harmonious Interior
The wide ceiling stretches seamlessly from eave to eave, affording a splendid outdoor view as it rises towards the ski slope and snow park in the southwest. Ceiling height is reduced toward the northeast, creating a serene view of the forest and lakes. By splitting the roof into upper and lower sections down the middle, a second floor was created, along with ceiling heights that accommodate both views.

The steel structure allows for an open and column-free interior space. The seating area was designed to look visually and spatially expansive by arranging the kitchen and WC in a compact fashion at the lower end of the mezzanine. The restaurant, bar, café and other seating areas are connected by a two-story atrium where the atmosphere and wide view can be shared. Overall, the interior design focuses on harmony of place, with varied ceiling heights, stairs, furniture and finishes adding subtle differentiation to its features.

Team: 
Design and Supervision: Nikken Sekkei-Hokkaido Nikken Sekkei Joint Venture
Client: Nihon Harmony Resort
Contractor: Fujita Corporation, Hokkaido Branch

Material Used :
Structure: Steel, Reinforced Concrete