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.
▲ “手牵手”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
▲ 屋顶形式被寓意“手牵手”,其设计概念为将各个小屋单元聚集于一个大屋檐下
the roofs, described as ‘holding hands,’ metaphorically unify the structures under a single conceptual canopy
▲ 该住宅由6个小屋单元组成,每个小屋单元面积约为20㎡
the residence takes the form of six compact cottages, each approximately 20 square meters
▲ 木质露台延伸至室内,与室内地板无缝连接
the wooden deck, which extends outward, transitions into the wooden flooring
▲ 6个小屋单元的屋顶倾斜程度各不相同
each of the six cottages is slightly angled in a different direction
▲ 室内天花板根据屋顶形状设计成曲线的,使得室内空间变得柔和
curved white ceilings enhance the sense of lightness
▲ 建筑立面设计有大面积玻璃窗,可以观看周边森林景观
large openings offer views of the surrounding forest
▲ “手牵手”住宅设计有独立单元空间,满足个人活动空间需求
the Hand-in-Hand House creates small, distinct spaces that accommodate personal time
▲ Nendo建筑工作室旨在设计一个世外桃源聚居地,增加家庭成员之间的互动
Nendo aims to establish a serene retreat dedicated to family bonds
▲ 每个小屋单元都设计有一定的功能空间
each cottage houses a specific function
项目信息:
项目名称:手牵手住宅
建筑设计:Nendo建筑工作室
项目位置:Karuizawa, Nagano, Japan
合作团队:Noritaka Ishibayashi, Koho Lin
摄影: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