Nestled on a 5,800-square-meter hilly site in Karuizawa, Japan, Nendo completes the Hand-in-Hand House, a weekend residence for a family of four. Positioned amidst verdant greenery with sweeping views of Mt. Asama, the residence takes the form of six compact cottages, each approximately 20 square meters, scattered along an expansive wooden terrace. Elevated on a platform supported by circular black columns, the architecture of the house adapts to the site’s natural slope.
Each of the six cottages is slightly angled in a different direction; their black roofs contrast against the light-colored wooden base. These varying-height roofs, described as ‘holding hands,’ metaphorically unify the structures under a single conceptual canopy, offering intimacy and cohesion.
The Tokyo- and Milan-based teams at Nendo arrange the residence to allow the creation of small, distinctively characterized spaces that respect the inpiduality of each family member. Each cottage houses a specific function, such as the kitchen, dining area, and bedrooms, and all six of them gently intertwine, connected by a shared terrace that fosters interaction.
Inside, curved white ceilings enhance the sense of lightness, while large openings offer views of the surrounding forest. The wooden deck, which extends outward, transitions into the wooden flooring, maintaining continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces.
By putting together separation and connection, the Hand-in-Hand House creates small, distinct spaces that accommodate personal time while creating collective moments. Through this design, Nendo aims to establish a serene retreat dedicated to family bonds and the beauty of the natural surroundings.
▲ “手牽手”住宅用于四口之家的周末度假
the Hand-in-Hand House is a weekend residence for a family of four
▲ 屋頂形式被寓意“手牽手”,其設計概念為將各個小屋單元聚集于一個大屋檐下
the roofs, described as ‘holding hands,’ metaphorically unify the structures under a single conceptual canopy
▲ 該住宅由6個小屋單元組成,每個小屋單元面積約為20㎡
the residence takes the form of six compact cottages, each approximately 20 square meters
▲ 木質露臺延伸至室內,與室內地板無縫連接
the wooden deck, which extends outward, transitions into the wooden flooring
▲ 6個小屋單元的屋頂傾斜程度各不相同
each of the six cottages is slightly angled in a different direction
▲ 室內天花板根據屋頂形狀設計成曲線的,使得室內空間變得柔和
curved white ceilings enhance the sense of lightness
▲ 建筑立面設計有大面積玻璃窗,可以觀看周邊森林景觀
large openings offer views of the surrounding forest
▲ “手牽手”住宅設計有獨立單元空間,滿足個人活動空間需求
the Hand-in-Hand House creates small, distinct spaces that accommodate personal time
▲ Nendo建筑工作室旨在設計一個世外桃源聚居地,增加家庭成員之間的互動
Nendo aims to establish a serene retreat dedicated to family bonds
▲ 每個小屋單元都設計有一定的功能空間
each cottage houses a specific function
項目信息:
項目名稱:手牽手住宅
建筑設計:Nendo建筑工作室
項目位置:Karuizawa, Nagano, Japan
合作團隊:Noritaka Ishibayashi, Koho Lin
攝影:Masahiro Ohgami
project info:
name: hand-in-hand house
architect: Nendo | @nendo_official
location: Karuizawa, Nagano, Japan
collaborators: Noritaka Ishibayashi, Koho Lin
photographer: Masahiro Ohgami