The Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta and the Japanese hotel group Not a Hotel joined forces to imagine a calm and innovative design, nestled in the landscape of the island of Hokkaido.

Surrounded by Shikotsu-Toya National Park on the island of Hokkaido, Not a Hotel Rusutsu offers breathtaking views of Mount Yotei, one of Japan's most renowned mountains. This secluded 1,200-square-meter structure is located just over an hour from Sapporo, the island's capital, and New Chitose Airport. It sits atop Rusutsu Resort, a famous ski resort popular with winter sports enthusiasts, boasting some thirty slopes. It is particularly known for its exceptional powder snow and hiking scenery in the summer. Snøhetta and Not a Hotel, which is reinventing the concept of vacation residences worldwide, share the goal of continuing to elevate the human experience.

LUXURY COMPLEX

This innovative temple pays homage to the mountainous landscape of the Land of the Rising Sun. The building, composed of two linear volumes placed perpendicularly and slightly curved, expresses itself in a clean and minimalist form. "We immersed ourselves in this magnificent peak, the snowdrifts, the changing seasons, and the celestial zenith of the site to shape the project," explains Richard Wood, Managing Director of Snøhetta Asia.
The central patio serves as a gathering place for reflection, inviting guests to contemplation and communal activities. The top floor comprises the living room and courtyard, which extend into a kitchen, dining room, lounge area, as well as bedrooms, offices, and outdoor baths. The partially submerged lower level houses wellness facilities, such as the gym and sauna.

HOLISTIC APPROACH

Its dual-volume design enhances this architectural coherence. The glass facade and large windows elevate the overall effect, playing with variations in light and the transitions between interior and exterior to further invite nature into the heart of the building. "Not a Hotel Rusutsu raises the bar for 21st-century architecture," emphasizes Shinji Hamauzu, owner and founder of Not a Hotel.

The building's stone and wood construction completes the successful design in the heart of the mountain landscape, prioritizing sustainability and aesthetic harmony. "The use of natural and local materials further embodies this project's holistic approach to human well-being and harmony with nature," concludes Ana Castaingts, interior architect at Snøhetta.

Since its launch in July 2024, this exceptional complex has been progressing in phases, offering clients the opportunity to enjoy shared ownership.

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