Hokkaido
This is a project to create a new 500-unit residential district in Niseko with the most advanced energy-saving technologies. WAIWAI is in charge of the master plan and architectural design. The client is an urban development company composed of Niseko, leading companies in Niseko, a housing company that supply the best energy-saving housing in Japan, and members who have introduced the world’s most advanced knowledge, mainly from Germany. The aim is to create a model district for the future, not only in Niseko, but also in Japan. Architecturely, simple rectangular volumes are used to ensure the most efficienct performance of the exterior skin. On top of these volumes randomly placed “gangi” exist to evoke the rich expression of the district through various activities of the residents. To keep a consistant image between the different volumes a design rule was set where residents are the main character.The “gangi” are composed of a waist-high concrete wall that is resistant to snow and can be modified in different ways to show various activities, such as graffiti, benches, bouldering, etc. Above these concrete walls a wooden lattice made out of natural material is placed.
