nendo weaves six cottages together with 'hand-holding' roofs in japanese forest house

nendo weaves six cottages together with 'hand-holding' roofs in japanese forest house

Nendo intertwines six cottages over a lush hillside in japan

 

Nestled on a 5,800-square-meter hilly site in Karuizawa, Japan, Nendo completes the Hand-in-Hand House, a weekend residence for a family of four. Positioned amidst verdant greenery with sweeping views of Mt. Asama, the residence takes the form of six compact cottages, each approximately 20 square meters, scattered along an expansive wooden terrace. Elevated on a platform supported by circular black columns, the architecture of the house adapts to the site’s natural slope.

 

Each of the six cottages is slightly angled in a different direction; their black roofs contrast against the light-colored wooden base. These varying-height roofs, described as ‘holding hands,’ metaphorically unify the structures under a single conceptual canopy, offering intimacy and cohesion. 

nendo weaves six cottages together with 'hand-holding' roofs in japanese forest house
all images by Masahiro Ohgami, courtesy of Nendo

 

 

HAND-IN-HAND HOUSE REFLECTS ON FAMILY BONDS

 

The Tokyo- and Milan-based teams at Nendo arrange the residence to allow the creation of small, distinctively characterized spaces that respect the individuality of each family member. Each cottage houses a specific function, such as the kitchen, dining area, and bedrooms, and all six of them gently intertwine, connected by a shared terrace that fosters interaction.

 

Inside, curved white ceilings enhance the sense of lightness, while large openings offer views of the surrounding forest. The wooden deck, which extends outward, transitions into the wooden flooring, maintaining continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces. 

 

By putting together separation and connection, the Hand-in-Hand House creates small, distinct spaces that accommodate personal time while creating collective moments. Through this design, Nendo aims to establish a serene retreat dedicated to family bonds and the beauty of the natural surroundings.

nendo weaves six cottages together with 'hand-holding' roofs in japanese forest house
the Hand-in-Hand House is a weekend residence for a family of four

nendo weaves six cottages together with 'hand-holding' roofs in japanese forest house
the roofs, described as ‘holding hands,’ metaphorically unify the structures under a single conceptual canopy

nendo weaves six cottages together with 'hand-holding' roofs in japanese forest house
the residence takes the form of six compact cottages, each approximately 20 square meters

nendo weaves six cottages together with 'hand-holding' roofs in japanese forest house
the wooden deck, which extends outward, transitions into the wooden flooring

nendo-six-cottages-hand-holding-roofs-japanese-forest-residence-01-21-2025-designboom-1800-01

each of the six cottages is slightly angled in a different direction

nendo weaves six cottages together with 'hand-holding' roofs in japanese forest house
curved white ceilings enhance the sense of lightness

nendo weaves six cottages together with 'hand-holding' roofs in japanese forest house
large openings offer views of the surrounding forest

nendo weaves six cottages together with 'hand-holding' roofs in japanese forest house
the Hand-in-Hand House creates small, distinct spaces that accommodate personal time

nendo-six-cottages-hand-holding-roofs-japanese-forest-residence-01-21-2025-designboom-1800-02

Nendo aims to establish a serene retreat dedicated to family bonds

 

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each cottage houses a specific function
each cottage houses a specific function
wood clads the walls inside the residence
wood clads the walls inside the residence
putting together separation and connection
putting together separation and connection
all six of the cottages gently intertwine
all six of the cottages gently intertwine
floor-to-ceiling openings offer forest views to the bathroom cottage
floor-to-ceiling openings offer forest views to the bathroom cottage
the glass openings follow the curves of the roof
the glass openings follow the curves of the roof
a shared terrace fosters interaction
a shared terrace fosters interaction
neutral colors add to the serene atmosphere
neutral colors add to the serene atmosphere
the large glass surfaces let natural light inside
the large glass surfaces let natural light inside
Hand-in-Hand House reflects on family bonds
Hand-in-Hand House reflects on family bonds
wooden surfaces add warmth to the interior
wooden surfaces add warmth to the interior
sketch by Νendo
sketch by Νendo

project info:

 

name: hand-in-hand house 
architect: Nendo | @nendo_official

location: Karuizawa, Nagano, Japan

 

collaborators: Noritaka Ishibayashi, Koho Lin
photographer: Masahiro Ohgami
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