Located in an area with direct access to the Niseko Hirafu ski slopes in Hokkaido, Japan, the hotel, MUWA NISEKO, expresses the characteristics of its surrounding landscape. The architecture, by Nikken Sekkei Ltd, is a collection of gabled roofs, a form that relates to both the region’s small-scale buildings and its traditional landscape.
A new Niseko landmark
Situated within a national park, the project is subject to regulations governing elements such as building height and roof shape. The design responds to this context by incorporating gabled roofs reminiscent of Hokkaido’s traditional landscape. This allows the architecture to maintain the area's scenery while accommodating the individual units. The varied slopes of the gabled roofs follow the internal plan and resonate with the surrounding mountains. Materials like a special aluminium panel called Artellion were used in certain areas for their durability and weather resistance.
Integrating interior and exterior
The building’s plan utilises the site's irregular shape to create 34 unique guest units. The ground-floor guest rooms and an open-air bath are arranged around a central courtyard. On the basement level, the entrance and common areas surround a courtyard with Japanese maple trees, which are native to the area. The ground is paved with rocks excavated from the site, which helps integrate the building with its immediate environment.
Each unit features a colour scheme that relates to the exterior. The penthouse units integrate the roof form into their interior spaces. The design also incorporates elements such as latticework and earthen walls, which contribute to the building's environmental sensitivity by utilising local and natural materials.
Structural considerations
The structural design addresses the heavy snowfall and site conditions. Load-bearing walls are positioned across the floor plan to enhance seismic performance. The project uses an SRC Vierendeel frame to create an open lobby space on the B1 floor. A cantilevered structure supports the sixth-floor open-air bath, a design element made possible by strategic wall beams. The concrete folded-plate roof structure on the top floor allows for an open living space by reducing the number of columns. Precast concrete was used for the roof and balconies to expedite construction and enhance durability.
The architecture of this hotel addresses the challenges of the surrounding environment. It utilises form to relate to the landscape and express its programmatic function, while balancing design intent with the demands of its location, and integrating a sensitive approach to materials and construction.
