‘niseko look out cafe’ by design spirits co. images courtesy of design spirits co.

japanese practice design spirits co. has sent us images of their project entitled ‘look out cafe’. situated at the top of a mountain at niseko village, in hokkaido, japan, the cafe – inaccessible by car and operational only during the winter months – acts as both a chalet and look out for skiers of the resort. 

originally built 28 years ago, the renovation was designed and completed in less than 45 days. reminiscent of traditional japanese identities and aesthetics, the space is both warm and minimal in its execution. a collection of intimate wooden cabins fill the long and narrow space, dividing the environment and adding interest and depth to the simple cafe. layers of roofs – varying in height and shape – overlap in the cavernous room and canopy over the wind-chilled visitors.

design spirits co.: niseko look out cafe entrance

design spirits co.: niseko look out cafe simple booths sit below a canopy of timber slats

design spirits co.: niseko look out cafe inside one of the ‘cabins’

design spirits co.: niseko look out cafe (left) overall view of cabins lining the cafe (right) below one cabin

design spirits co.: niseko look out cafe roof

design spirits co.: niseko look out cafe layers of roofs

design spirits co.: niseko look out cafe detail of roofs