Yakisugi Grove

Envisioned as a cluster of ancient cedars, the villa fuses with the terrain rather than sitting upon it. A series of "hollowed trunks" recessed into the slope are clad in locally sourced Yakisugi (charred cedar) and topped with a native green roof. The architecture acts as camouflage, appearing to lift from the earth on black timber legs to mimic the surrounding forest.

The entry confronts the visitor with a void: a sheltered central courtyard that preserves the raw hillside and guides the eye toward the infinity pool and ocean. A rock-hewn staircase ascends to the living level, where boundaries dissolve. Here, the "trunks" conjoin to form a continuous timber grid-shell, while basalt floors and charred walls frame curated views of the dense trees.

Designed for Yakushima’s extreme rainfall, the choice of Yakisugi ensures durability against rot, while generous overhangs protect the terraces—allowing inhabitants to enjoy the sound of rain while remaining entirely dry. The kitchen anchors the plan, positioned beneath a massive oculus that vents heat and frames the sky.

The private quarters offer a shift in atmosphere. Tucked into the periphery, bedrooms are accessed through discrete openings, transitioning from the rugged exterior to warm, carved timber interiors—like inhabiting the heart of a tree. Windows act as natural fissures, while the sauna serves as a meditative dark void illuminated only by the glow of coals.

Ultimately, this proposal redefines luxury not as ornamentation, but as the ability to disappear—receding into the slope to let the ancient forest take center stage.