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Oott Primary Function: Mahotela by Toru Teraoka
Oott Primary Function: Mahotela by Toru Teraoka
Oott Primary Function: Mahotela by Toru Teraoka
Oott Primary Function: Mahotela by Toru Teraoka
Oott Primary Function: Mahotela by Toru Teraoka

Siliva Kuchereza Alendo · 2026

Oott Primary Function: Mahotela

by Toru Teraoka

  • Mphoto ya Siliva ya A' Design Award 2026 in Kuchereza Alendo
  • CLIENT: OOTT | Toru Teraoka
  • Estimated Number of Design Views: 24,566
  • Verification code AA31C16378 · Verify this award
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About Oott Primary Function: Mahotela

Book Text: Yomangidwa mkati mwa nkhalango za Karuizawa, holo iyi inapangidwa ngati malo amene ku­manga, chilengedwe, ndi anthu a m'dera zimakumana. Yopangidwa kwa zaka pafupifupi khumi kudzera mu mgwirizano wa kasitomala, womanga, ndi mmisiri wo­manga nyumba, imapanga chigawo cha malo osintha okhala ndi zipangizo zoyenera agalu. Nyumbayi imagwira ntchito ngati chipinda chosangalatsira anthu onse ndi malo ophunzitsira m'kati. Pamene mabowo akulu atsegulidwa, mkatimo umagwirizana ndi nkhalango, kulola malowa kuti ayenderere. Denga la magawo­magawo limabweretsa kuwala kofewa kwa dzuwa, kupanga mpweya wabata. Kamangidwe kosavuta ka matabwa kama­sonyeza mmene njira zosavuta zimagwirizanira ndi chilengedwe.

About the Mphoto ya Siliva ya A' Design Award

Oott Primary Function: Mahotela ndi mmodzi mwa opambana a Mphoto ya Siliva ya A' Design Award, kuzindikirika kolemekezeka modabwitsa komwe kumaperekedwa kwa mapangidwe a pamwamba, okongola ndi ochititsa chidwi. Opambana a Siliva ndi ntchito zowala kwambiri ndi zolenga kwambiri zomwe zimaonetsa ukatswiri, luso ndi nzeru zakuthwa za opanga awo. Oott Primary Function: Mahotela akuyembekezeka kukhala ntchito yodabwitsa yoonetsedwa, yaukatswiri wapadera ndi yatsopano kwambiri. Mapangidwe opambana Mphoto ya Siliva ya A' Design Award awa ndi chopangidwa chodziwika kwambiri ndi choyamikiridwa chomwe chimapindulitsa ndi kukulitsa malire a luso, sayansi, kapangidwe ndi ukadaulo. Oott Primary Function: Mahotela ndi cholengedwa chomwe anthu ambiri amachichitira nsanje, chomwe chimadzutsa zilakolako, kubweretsa maganizo abwino ndi kuyatsa kudabwa ndi chidwi.

Press Kit

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
Image Credits
All photo : Photographer / Tatsuya Tabii

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