Oott Tanamit: Isنsا by Toru Teraoka is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Tarbaḥt A' Design Award n Lfeṭṭa in Afeṣṣel n Usennehbi, Anezwi, Asikel d Turiẓt Competition Category.

LfeṭṭaAsennehbi· 2026

Oott Tanamit: Isنsا

by Toru Teraoka

Client: OOTT | Toru Teraoka

Tarbaḥt A' Design Award n Lfeṭṭa Winner in Asennehbi Category

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Colors

The Design

About Oott Tanamit: Isنsا

Tzul-agi yellan deg teẓgi n Karuizawa, tettwaxdem am wemkan anda ttemlilin tsekla n lebni, ttebiɛa, akked temɣiwant. Yebna deg wazal n ɛecra iseggasen s uɛiwen gar umsaɣ, umeslay akked umeslaḥ n lebni, yesekcam-d aḥric seg wakal yettemgarrun s tregwa i yeddukklen d yeqjan. Lebni-agi yettuseqdac am tzeqqa n usgunfu tazayezt akked wemkan n usiled zdaxel. Mi ara ldint tewwura timeqqranin, aggur azdaxlan yettmSala d teẓgi, yeǧǧa akal ad iɛeddi. Ssqef s tissi yesekcam-d tafat taẓidant, yesnulfuy-d liḥala thennan. Lebni afessas s wesɣar yesken amek i teddukel tarrayt tafessast d ttebiɛa.

The Recognition

About the Tarbaḥt A' Design Award n Lfeṭṭa

Oott Tanamit: Isنsا d amerbaḥ n Tarbaḥt A' Design Award n Lfeṭṭa, tagmat ɛlayen i yisnulfa yelhan, yeḥlan s waṭas. Imerbaḥen n Lfeṭṭa d isnulfa yelhan akk, yesɛan tmusni d tazmert. Oott Tanamit: Isنsا ad yili d asnulfu amaynut, yelhan, ad yeǧǧ ddunit tennuɣ.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: A hall nestled in the forest of Karuizawa, a renowned summer retreat. For ten years, the client, builder, and architect have continued developing the facility together, overcoming the pandemic and social change to create a contemporary Japanese architecture with enduring universality. Tents for guests with dogs, a dog school, and a grassy run are dispersed across the site, expanded step by step. Conceived for hospitality and sustainable community, the hall extends seamlessly into nature.
Dimensions & Packaging: Floor Area:129m²
Tags: Japan, Karuizawa, Japanese design, timber architecture, wooden structure, hotel, architecture, nature
Production Technology: All square timbers are unified to the standard Japanese size of 120×120 mm, while selected beams use 60×120 mm members hand-split by local carpenters, balancing structural logic with spatial richness. Though based on structural analysis, the joinery conceals its complexity. Developed amid rising material costs during the pandemic, the design balances quality and budget, minimizes concrete, and uses local carpentry with minimal metal fittings to reduce environmental impact.
Design Challenge: For a decade, the same client, builder, and architect worked together, building trust and creating a structure that embodies coexistence with nature. Amid rising material and labor costs during the pandemic, balancing design and budget was crucial. The plan secures needed area and generous volume while controlling cost. Timber was hand-crafted and assembled manually, concrete minimized, and local carpentry with few metal fittings reduced environmental impact.
Research: The design shows deep respect for material essence. Timber and minimal concrete are left exposed, creating refined architectural honesty. Visitors enter a bright space clad in hinoki cypress, continuous with grass and trees, honoring Japanese beauty. External insulation ensures comfort in harsh winters, while the exposed wooden frame expresses both structure and performance. Rooted in its locale, it embodies a Japanese aesthetic connected to the world.
Inspiration: The project shows deep respect for the delicate workings of nature, fostering empathy in its visitors. By placing nature at the center, it seeks harmony between people and environment. Built in timber, the space connects seamlessly with the surrounding landscape and remains committed to sustainability. Developed amid rising material costs during the pandemic, it balances design quality and budget through the use of standard materials and conventional methods, embodying coexistence with nature.
Project Duration: Completed in 2023, the project has received numerous awards both in Japan and internationally.
Operation Flow: The building serves as a lounge for guests and a dog training space on rainy days. When both sides are opened, the forest extends through the hall, and soft light enters from high windows between the three roofs, creating a transparent space rooted in Japanese sensibility. It connects visitors with local nature. Located among private villas, it also functions as a café and open community hub, fostering ties between travelers and residents.
Patents: OOTT, Toru Teraoka, 2023
Team Members: TORU TERAOKA
Image Credits: All photo : Photographer / Tatsuya Tabii