Not a Hotel
Location
Yakushima, Japan
Year
2026
Suspended on Yakushima's steep slopes, this modern villa seamlessly merges bold architecture with surrounding nature.
The project is set on Yakushima Island within a steep, densely vegetated mountain landscape. Rather than resisting the challenging terrain, the design uses the slope as the primary generator of the architectural concept. The villa is shaped to follow the natural topography: one half is embedded into the ground while the other cantilevers outward over the descending site. This dual condition creates a dynamic composition that appears simultaneously grounded and suspended, establishing a strong dialogue between architecture and nature.
Floor-to-ceiling windows provide panoramic forest views, dissolving the boundary between inside and outside and allowing nature to become part of everyday living.
A wide overhanging roof responds to Yakushima’s heavy rainfall, sheltering the perimeter and enabling year-round outdoor use. Cedar—particularly Yakisugi cladding—defines the material palette, combining durability, warmth, and a strong connection to Japanese craftsmanship. The result is a refined contemporary villa deeply rooted in its natural context.
Next Project