This large-roofed house in the center of the town of Uenohara, Yamanashi Prefecture, was originally the owner's office, but after retirement, the land was cleared and converted into a new garden for his hobby of wildflowers.

As the owner worked hard to create the garden, he wondered if it would be possible to create a guesthouse where family and friends could gather and enjoy the view of the garden. Thus, a new project was launched as the culmination of the owner's life.

What is interesting about this project is that the garden with its delicate wildflowers and trees exists first, and then the building is constructed, which is the opposite of the usual architectural planning process. As an architect, I felt the pleasure of this new challenge.

When I thought about what kind of architecture would be appropriate for this garden, I concluded that an architecture that combines the universal wisdom of traditional wooden construction, which is a natural beauty, with modern design and the latest facilities would be the most appropriate for this place.

I am happy to say that the construction of this building, which embodies the elegance, grace, and strength of the owner, was completed by the efforts of many craftsmen and specialists.

• DesignKazumi Niibori Archtect Inc. | Kazumi Niibori
• ConstructionKajiwara Construction company | Hiroshi Kajiwara
• Landscapinggarden aspect | Bunpei Matsumura

The town of Oshicho has been a sacred place for the Fuji faith for generations. A timeless auberge has been newly established a house that has been passed down from generation to generation in the area.

The building, which commands a magnificent view of Mt. Fuji, is constructed with six octagonal pillars, beams, pillars, and interior all made of solid zelkova wood, and the rest of the interior is made of chestnut wood.

The square hipped roof is made of stainless steel with a double weave stepped roofing system, which we believe has succeeded in maintaining the balance of the zelkova wood floating above gravity.

In the garden created around the building, many local rocks and stones are placed, and a stream is drawn from the hydrophobic water that flows only on the Oshi grounds. Fuji and covered with zelkova trees, the garden is intended to provide great relaxation and tranquility.

The building, which is composed of materials such as the zelkova wood that the owner purchased himself, the ceiling woven from cedar wickerwork, the floor made of Sekishu tiles, the floor made from Kyoto famous chestnut zelkova wood, and the walls made of Juraku lacquerware, created by master craftsmen. We named the building "Keyaki Palace" with the thoughts of these people in mind.

• DesignKazumi Niibori Archtect Inc. | Kazumi Niibori
• ConstructionKajiwara Construction company | Hiroshi Kajiwara
• External structureKajiwara Construction company | Hiroshi Kajiwara
• Landscapinggarden aspect | Bunpei Matsumura

Katsunuma Brewery, a long-established Koshu winery celebrating its 87th anniversary, has two guiding principles for its winemaking: "To the world with Koshu" and "To create wineries that inspire people.

Based on this will, we considered the following when proceeding with this plan:
One, to look closely at the landscape, at the vibrant surface of the trees and flowers, to nurture love for what we see, and to nurture and care for human beings.

One is to create a building using ancient and beautiful materials (honest materials that are rich in their own richness and modesty, and that are rich in their own unspoiled inner qualities).

The architecture and landscape should blend and grow as one, making it a unique place in the world, one that looks as if it has been there for a long time.

Based on this theme, the overall division of the building was arranged to encompass the relationship between the main building (store), warehouse (gallery), new building (brewery + guesthouse + roof terrace), ground terrace (tasting space), and the vast vineyard in front of the building.

• DesignKazumi Niibori Archtect Inc. | Kazumi Niibori
• ConstructionKajiwara construction company　 Hiroshi Kajiwara (Brewing building / Natori Architectural Office)
• External structureKajiwara Construction company | Hiroshi Kajiwara