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.

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.

Project info:

Name: hand-in-hand house

Architect: Nendo | @nendo_official

Location: Karuizawa, Nagano, Japan

Collaborators: Noritaka Ishibayashi, Koho Lin

Photographer: Masahiro Ohgami

 

the roofs, described as ‘holding hands,’ metaphorically unify the structures under a single conceptual canopy

 

the residence takes the form of six compact cottages, each approximately 20 square meters

 

curved white ceilings enhance the sense of lightness

 

large openings offer views of the surrounding forest