Just a few kilometers from Mount Fuji, Takeshi Hosaka Architects have crafted a softly rounded structure that houses a restaurant serving hoto, the traditional noodle specialty of Yamanashi, in an architectural ode to the region's natural beauty.
Nestled in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi, this structure is as much a part of the landscape as the imposing presence of Mount Fuji nearby. The design draws inspiration from organic forms like mountains and clouds, creating a space that feels both sheltering and open. The building's fluid, curvilinear geometry eschews conventional shapes, opting instead for a shell structure that naturally integrates with its surroundings. This approach not only enhances the building’s aesthetic harmony with the environment but also ensures practical functionality, with its unique form guiding rainwater away from the structure.
The building’s design philosophy extends to its interaction with the elements. Without conventional air conditioning, Hoto Fudo relies on its open-air design to maintain comfort throughout most of the year. The RC shell, insulated with a thick layer of urethane, stabilizes interior temperatures and minimizes structural deformation, contributing to the building's longevity. This balance between internal stability and external openness reflects a deep understanding of the local climate and a commitment to sustainability. The minimalistic lighting design further enhances the natural ambiance, allowing visitors to experience the changing light of dusk while minimizing the intrusion of artificial illumination.
Hoto Fudo’s integration with nature goes beyond aesthetics to embrace sensory experiences. The building welcomes the elements—rain trickles in near openings, fog drifts through, and snow blankets the structure, transforming it into a winter landscape. These interactions with the natural world create a dynamic environment that blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior, where visitors can enjoy a meal in an atmosphere that feels as alive and changing as the landscape itself.
"When it rains, people can appreciate the sound of the raindrops from inside. When it’s foggy, the fog enters the building. When it snows, it becomes a landscape buried in the snow, and sometimes birds and animals come in. It’s half-way between nature and art." — Takeshi Hosaka Architects.
