Gold Winner of the International Architecture & Design Awards 2024

Grand Tsuru Niseko

Architecture

Hospitality & Hotel Design

Concept / Professional Category

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Architect / Designer:

Franck Giral

Studio:

ABD Architecture LLC

Design Team:

Pierre Biard

Country:

Japan

Nestled within the heart of the enchanting snow haven of Niseko in the picturesque Hokkaido, Japan, this visionary ski rental property development for affluent Asian clientele unfolds. A mere 2-minute drive from the bustling international ski slopes and soon reachable by bullet train, the site is a harmonious integration into the natural tapestry along a tranquil forest road.

Here, the land unveils three expansive plots, each cocooned by the majestic presence of silver birch and oak trees. A fourth plot along the road discreetly hosts the water supply facility, seamlessly blending function with the elegance.

‘Grand Tsuru,’ is an architectural masterpiece that seamlessly weaves together the grace of Japanese culture and the awe-inspiring beauty of nature. The name itself, ‘Tsuru,’ meaning ‘crane’ in Japanese, encapsulates the essence of the project, beautifully echoed by the mirrored slopes of the roofs.
As a crane taking flight, the properties exude a sense of weightlessness of the traditional Japanese timber framing, accentuated by the extended eaves, and the striking verticality of metal cladding and louvers adorning the facade.

Conscious decisions were made to preserve the sanctity of privacy while immersing the ski properties’ guests in the picturesque surroundings. The architects prioritized panoramic views of the forest and the road, achieved through expansive windows and balconies that seamlessly merge the interior with the exterior. A thoughtful balance was struck by introducing prominent windows along one elongated side, while a deliberate reduction in the number of openings on the metal-clad side ensures privacy without compromising aesthetics. Ingeniously sliding the buildings slightly further enhanced the connection with the forest, opening up serene vistas that invite the outside in.

The architectural language speaks in a harmonious blend of horizontal and vertical lines, meticulously crafted to reflect the natural surroundings. The low, elongated structure elegantly integrates with the forest, creating a visual symphony that extends from the Japanese-style entrance throughout the building. ‘Grand Tsuru’ stands not just as a home but as a testament to the artful fusion of form, function, and the profound beauty that surrounds it.

Nestled within the heart of the enchanting snow haven of Niseko in the picturesque Hokkaido, Japan, this visionary ski rental property development for affluent Asian clientele unfolds. A mere 2-minute drive from the bustling international ski slopes and soon reachable by bullet train, the site is a harmonious integration into the natural tapestry along a tranquil forest road.

Here, the land unveils three expansive plots, each cocooned by the majestic presence of silver birch and oak trees. A fourth plot along the road discreetly hosts the water supply facility, seamlessly blending function with the elegance.

‘Grand Tsuru,’ is an architectural masterpiece that seamlessly weaves together the grace of Japanese culture and the awe-inspiring beauty of nature. The name itself, ‘Tsuru,’ meaning ‘crane’ in Japanese, encapsulates the essence of the project, beautifully echoed by the mirrored slopes of the roofs.
As a crane taking flight, the properties exude a sense of weightlessness of the traditional Japanese timber framing, accentuated by the extended eaves, and the striking verticality of metal cladding and louvers adorning the facade.

Conscious decisions were made to preserve the sanctity of privacy while immersing the ski properties’ guests in the picturesque surroundings. The architects prioritized panoramic views of the forest and the road, achieved through expansive windows and balconies that seamlessly merge the interior with the exterior. A thoughtful balance was struck by introducing prominent windows along one elongated side, while a deliberate reduction in the number of openings on the metal-clad side ensures privacy without compromising aesthetics. Ingeniously sliding the buildings slightly further enhanced the connection with the forest, opening up serene vistas that invite the outside in.

The architectural language speaks in a harmonious blend of horizontal and vertical lines, meticulously crafted to reflect the natural surroundings. The low, elongated structure elegantly integrates with the forest, creating a visual symphony that extends from the Japanese-style entrance throughout the building. ‘Grand Tsuru’ stands not just as a home but as a testament to the artful fusion of form, function, and the profound beauty that surrounds it.

ABD Architecture LLC

ABD Architecture LLC is an award-winning architectural design firm based in Sapporo, Hokkaido, that focuses on international construction projects in Japanese ski resorts and in particular in Niseko. ABD Architecture LLC has a tracks record of handling projects of custom ski rental homes, land developments, hotels for high-end clients.
ABD Architecture LLC is a registered architectural office, as well as a real estate agency, with an international team of seasoned bilingual engineer, architects, interior designer, PMP (Project Management Professional) and real estate licensee.