Japan
Overview
The two guest houses both feature timber structures in very different iterations. Timber is very prevalent in the heavily forested country, and is an excellent option for modestly budgeted projects.
-27.9259351, 153.3363655
Structure
The Koyasan Guest House uses a typically western structural system of thin pine studs to create a network or vertical members. Japanese construction typically users less, larger members, but Alphaville chose to use thin framing in order to use the structural system as a perforated screening system as well.
The thin members each take a small amount of load, and allow the modular pods to be inserted between studs. It also allows the space to be more open and easy to clean, with few of the studs being lined.
Like Koyasan guesthouse, the SUI guesthouse is a ‘village’ of boxes within a larger envelope. Pine posts form the main structural members, with structural plywood forming the walls of the variety of sleeping boxes. Handrails, stairs and joinery are all made from timber.
Interior
SUI guesthouse wears its timber elements very proud, leaving all the wood grain exposed. Stained plywood and raw pine posts blend with hardwood railings. The timber finishes juxtapose beautifully with the white plaster walls of the building envelope. The narrow walkways that weave between the wooden boxes form an elaborate network of passages and create a cosy atmosphere in the accommodation.
Koyasan guesthouse features a much brighter and singular interior palette. The timber studs have all been painted white, and resemble white birch trees in a forest. The white and bright interior juxtaposes with the dark metal exterior, which is aesthetically industrial. The orderly nature of the sleeping pods creates a calming atmosphere.
