Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu Mountain Center

We have completed renovations to the "Mountain Center" located at the foot of the slopes of the "Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu" ski resort in Abuta District, Hokkaido.
This facility has two floors: the first floor houses a shop and ticket counter, and the second floor is a restaurant. In this renovation, the sales area on the first floor has been expanded to 1.6 times its original size, and the restaurant on the second floor has been renamed "sanshoku" and completely renovated, along with a new spatial design.

We concept design this facility with the understanding that it serves as a place to send guests off to the course upon their arrival at Grand Hirafu, and to welcome them back upon their return. We blended the generous embrace of Hokkaido's nature with the newly enhanced, cool brand identity symbolized by "Hirafu Blue," and scattered these elements throughout the lively, once-in-a-lifetime resort space, aiming to create a space that offers a unique, cool, yet somehow warm, experience unlike any other.

The customer had three main issues:
①We want to create a facility that gives you the feeling of a mountain resort, worthy of the world-famous Niseko.
2) We want to create a space that will pique the curiosity of visitors as the gateway to Grand Hirafu.
3) We want to incorporate ideas that allow people to feel the local flavor.

Our concept design focused on incorporating the soft textures of wood and stone characteristic of Niseko into the space, as well as beautifully showcasing the contrast with the brand's cool "Hirafu Blue" color. We believed this would create the unique character of the space, and we proceeded carefully, balancing the design while imagining the view that visitors would see.

Furthermore, the facility is designed with durability and functionality in mind, considering that people will be walking around in ski boots or mountain boots, and offers different ways to use the space and dining styles depending on the time of day.

We selected lighting, furniture placement, shapes, and materials to create a space that stimulates curiosity and provides enjoyment. The lighting and signage details, strategically placed to catch the eye, and the carpet pattern on the floor are original concept design that subtly evoke the identity of a mountain resort.

Through the renovation, the entire facility has been transformed into a bright and comfortable space. The restaurant windows offer views of Niseko's abundant nature, including Mt. Yotei, and are extremely popular with visitors. The lighting on the skis also encourages natural communication between customers and staff, and serves as a very effective accent to the space.