Karuizawa Villa Project I Karuizawa VillaProject I

Nestled deep within the forest, this vacation home is elevated above the ground by a long timber deck that carefully mediates the relationship between the architecture and its natural surroundings. Clad in black with a broad horizontal roof, the building sits quietly among the trees. The interior is organized around a generous living, dining, and kitchen space with a vaulted ceiling. A rhythm of exposed beams and black timber walls creates a calm and intimate atmosphere, while expansive glazing frames uninterrupted views of the surrounding forest. As the seasons change, the ever-shifting landscape brings depth and tranquility to everyday life. A timber terrace extends seamlessly from the interior without a change in level, sheltered beneath deep eaves that gently blur the boundary between inside and outside. Centered around a fire pit, the outdoor living space was designed to immerse its occupants in the sounds, light, and quiet presence of the forest.