A&B Niseko

Client: Above & Beyond Location: Niseko, Japan Project Status: Postponed Area: 7,500 sqm

The 24 private residences of the Above and Beyond Niseko resort are positioned in such a way that each building appears to hover over the edge of the site’s natural linear plateau. These luxury ski Chalets form a neighbourhood whilst maximising views to both the ski fields and Mount Yotei. The chalets are clustered in couplets to both reduce the overall density of the scheme, but also to provide a playful connection between the holiday maker and their temporary neighbour.

Each property is conceived as a heavy, protective timber cube floating above a lightweight base. The chalet has a wet and dry entrance, responding to the specific requirements of a snow sport enthusiast. Choosing to invert the traditional format of residential properties, the large open plan living area is located on the upper floor of each property with the four en-suite bedrooms below. This consciously brought all life, light and activity up to the rooftops whilst maximising the living area and the views over the treetops.