Acclaimed international architecture and design practice Snøhetta has unveiled its latest residential masterpiece — a serene and sculptural vacation home perched on the mountainous terrain of Rusutsu, located on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido. Commissioned by innovative hospitality brand NOT A HOTEL, the new residence offers a visionary reimagining of what a holiday home can be, blending architectural clarity with a deep reverence for the natural world.

With its tranquil setting high above sea level and unobstructed panoramic views of the majestic Mount Yotei, the project harmoniously responds to both place and purpose. The result is a building that balances subtle minimalism with sensory richness, immersing guests in a truly elevated experience — both metaphorically and literally.

A Unique Dialogue Between Architecture and Nature

Situated at the summit of Rusutsu Resort — a location celebrated for its pristine powder snow in winter and lush alpine greenery in summer — the design is a testament to Snøhetta’s long-standing ethos of contextual and nature-led design. The home is delicately inserted into the landscape, responding to the site’s steep topography, changing weather patterns, and ever-shifting light conditions.

The architectural concept takes inspiration from the zenith, the highest point in the sky above a specific location. This celestial reference informs the building’s design language — a symbolic gesture toward aspiration, elevation, and harmony with nature. In both its form and function, the residence seeks to uplift the human spirit while maintaining a grounded relationship with the land beneath it.

A Sculptural, Dual-Volume Form

The architectural configuration consists of two gently curving, linear volumes, stacked perpendicularly and precisely integrated into the sloped site. The lower volume, partially embedded into the earth, accommodates a gym, sauna, and utility spaces. Above it, the primary living areas — including a lounge, kitchen, dining room, and an open-air bath — unfold across a continuous, light-filled plane. The bedrooms and study appear to hover just above the ground, nestled within the upper volume and offering serene views of the mountain landscape beyond.

This layered approach enables a fluid and intuitive spatial flow while also enhancing thermal efficiency. By embedding part of the structure into the ground and elevating other sections, Snøhetta creates a dynamic composition that simultaneously protects, shelters, and opens itself to its environment.

“The foundation for this project was our close collaboration with NOT A HOTEL,” says Richard Wood, Managing Director of Snøhetta Asia. “We immersed ourselves in the mountain top, snow drifts, changing seasons, and celestial zenith of the site. The design was shaped through this deep connection — by the landscape, and by our collective experience and understanding of the place.”

The Courtyard as a Spatial and Spiritual Anchor

At the centre of the home lies a courtyard — an open-air core that functions as both a spatial organiser and a meditative retreat. It is a place for gathering, reflection, and the slow rhythms of daily life. Whether enjoyed alone or with others, the courtyard’s presence fosters a contemplative atmosphere and emphasises the residence’s strong relationship with the outdoors.

This central void invites natural light into the heart of the building and enables cross-ventilation throughout the structure. The courtyard also acts as a visual axis, framing Mount Yotei in the distance and reinforcing the idea of architectural serenity through considered perspective.

“The social spaces engage the mind, while the restful bedrooms rejuvenate the spirit,” explains Ana Castaingts, Lead Interior Architect at Snøhetta. “Our facilities, including the indoor and outdoor baths, gym, and sauna, aim to blur the lines between inside and out — inviting nature into the home while offering peaceful spaces for the body and mind.”

Crafted for Well-Being and Sensory Connection

Throughout the home, materials have been carefully selected to heighten the sensory experience while maintaining a strong connection to place. Locally sourced stone and timber dominate the interiors and exteriors, echoing the textures and tones of the Hokkaido landscape. The result is a palette that feels timeless, tactile, and grounded.

Expansive glazing and floor-to-ceiling windows amplify the relationship between inside and out, framing ever-changing vistas and allowing the landscape to animate the home throughout the seasons. By leveraging passive environmental strategies, such as strategic orientation, cross-ventilation, and earth-sheltering, the building also performs with long-term environmental sensitivity.

The residence is not just visually striking — it is spatially nourishing. The architecture is designed to cater to physical rejuvenation, mental stimulation, and emotional reconnection. It’s a place to reset, reflect, and retreat.

Rethinking Hospitality and Ownership

NOT A HOTEL has developed a unique model of shared ownership, enabling guests to experience architecturally significant homes in extraordinary settings. The brand collaborates with some of the world’s most forward-thinking design studios to deliver singular experiences rooted in culture, craftsmanship, and context.

“Since 2020, we’ve worked as a startup to pioneer a new model that asks the world’s most exceptional creative talent to design homes that build upon Japan’s incredible natural beauty,” says Shinji Hamauzu, CEO and founder of NOT A HOTEL. “In a single unforgettable design, Snøhetta has elevated the possibilities of 21st-century architecture and delivered a project that is both globally pioneering and deeply rooted in its setting.”

This project represents a significant step in NOT A HOTEL’s mission to rethink how people live, travel, and connect to nature. By bringing together architectural excellence, environmental awareness, and a flexible model of ownership, the Rusutsu residence embodies a new future for luxury living and hospitality.

A Sanctuary Above the Snow Line

Snøhetta’s vision for NOT A HOTEL RUSUTSU is more than a holiday home — it’s a sanctuary shaped by wind, snow, stone, and sky. Positioned at the meeting point between nature and architecture, the residence offers an unforgettable encounter with landscape and design. It invites guests to slow down, reconnect with nature, and rediscover the restorative power of meaningful spaces.

With its sculptural form, sensitive detailing, and thoughtful programming, the home is a shining example of architecture’s potential to inspire calm, foster connection, and enhance the human experience. In doing so, it captures the spirit of the place it inhabits — and elevates it to new heights.

Snøhetta

Snøhetta Unveils a Peaceful Architectural Retreat in Rusutsu, Japan