The site is located in Qigu and was originally an operating leisure farm; our firm collaborated with an engineering consultancy to handle the land-use conversion and perform the master planning for the entire area.

Initially, we could only make minor adjustments and designs based on the existing conditions; however, during the review process, the committee did not support a conservative approach that adhered to the original state. Consequently, we decided to break from the old and start anew, determined to create a unique world of our own.

Keeping in mind the leisurely scenery of scattered buildings amidst the forest and waters of HOSHINOYA Karuizawa, while also considering the character of the site’s fish ponds and man-made pools alongside the client’s requirements, we developed this highly potential and idealistic new planning proposal themed on "water as the centerpiece, trees as the boundary, independent landscaping, and facilities interspersed within."

Ultimately, although the client liked the design, they explained that they simply lacked the energy and possibility to tear everything down and start over once more. Thus, the project is currently on hold...