Retreat into your Shell

I've seen various Architectural projects designed around nature, with a tree as the central focus.

This project in Kitasaku, Nagano, Japan, however has to be the most sculptural and elegant example.

The holiday villa shown below is a large shell like structure situated in the middle of a wood.

On first impressions the building looks like an alien spacecraft gently resting on the forest floor.

When you take a closer look, the structure is firm rooted to the ground.

Built around a big fir tree, the villa is designed to become a part of nature, but with a permanence of a large rock or cave.

It's curved concrete structure protects its visitors from the regions' low temperatures and high humidity levels.

The advanced mechanical system provides a comfortable environment with beautiful interiors and picturesque views that never become dull.

 

Interior Architecture  www.sovibrant.co.uk