The Forest Hut by Japanese studio K+S Architects is located on a small patch of land close to a wildlife protection area in Karuizawa Oiwake. Given its remote location, it is a hidden gem that will undoubtedly remain unspoiled for generations to come.

Designed with a minimum impact on the environment in mind, the hut embraces the simplicity and purity of its surroundings with honest materials, a minimalist aesthetic, and open spaces that allow its residents to connect with the forest landscape.

The wooden structure, elevated from the ground, unfolds in staggered levels that trace the gentle contours of the terrain. Short flights of stairs lead to different areas, each serving their own purpose. The ground floor features an open-air porch that can be transformed into a main dining room in the summer. A few steps up is a mid-level multi-purpose area kept bare save for a few essentials: the kitchen, benches, and a wood-burning stove, allowing the space the flexibility to be used according to the wants and needs of its residents. Another short flight of steps lead to a minimalist sleeping area. Next to it, a ladder brings guests to a tiny office nestled under the slanting roof.

Large openings frame the lush forest views from all directions and vantage points, emphasizing this relaxing retreat’s ethos of communing with nature.

https://plainmagazine.com/ks-architects-forest-hut-japan/