Pritzker Laureate Ryue Nishizawa's Latest Masterpiece: A Meditative Timber Retreat in Karuizawa, Shishi-Iwa House

Discover the Tranquility of Hinoki House No.3, Ryue Nishizawa's Latest Architectural Masterpiece, a Meditative Timber Retreat in Karuizawa that Pays Homage to Traditional Japanese Residential Architecture and Celebrates Sustainability

Shishi-Iwa House, the collection of architectural masterpieces situated in Karuizawa, Japan, has announced the opening of SSH No.03. Designed by Pritzker Prize laureate and co-founder of SANAA, Ryue Nishizawa, the mountain nature retreat is an homage to traditional Japanese residential architecture and is Nishizawa's first hotel project. SSH No.03 joins the two other Houses in the collection, SSH No.01 and SSH No.02, designed by Pritzker Prize laureate Shigeru Ban. All three Houses are situated mere minutes from each other and form SHISHI-IWA HOUSE KARUIZAWA, with guests sharing all common facilities.

SSH No.03 is comprised of 10 pavilions interconnected by a series of engawa and garden courtyards. With only 10 guest rooms and 1 cabin villa, the retreat is exclusive and offers both Superior Rooms and Tatami Suites. Inspired by spacial transparency and the Japanese concept of negative space, Nishizawa has deliberately created empty areas through minimal furnishings and embellishments, allowing natural light to stream continuously through the rooms' windows.

Hinoki cypress wood is prominently featured throughout SSH No.03, sourced from Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Considered a sacred wood in Japan, it has been used for centuries to build shrines, temples, and palaces due to its durability and aromatic scent. Sustainability is also a top priority, with a small building footprint and the use of carbon-friendly timber sourced primarily in Japan.

The winding engawa walkway that intersects the pavilions offers in-between spaces for discovery and contemplation, with the landscape carefully constructed with over hundreds of cherry, maple, and evergreen trees. Four Japanese courtyards provide moments of stillness, completing a spiritual journey in which guests become one with nature and with themselves.

A bathhouse and tea house complement the Ma experience envisioned by the architect, with plans to offer massage, yoga, and meditation sessions. The location within the serene Karuizawa Yacho no Mori, the National Wild Bird Sanctuary, in the embrace of almost 100 hectares of lush forest, expands moments of rejuvenation, with forest bathing and special walking tours.

Guests also have direct access to all facilities at SSH No.01 and SSH No.02, including the restaurant and bar, offering fine dining options, sake, wine, and whisky tastings, and tea rituals. A collection of antique Japanese furniture and vintage mid-century modern furniture, including historically significant pieces by Charles and Ray Eames, Pierre Jeanneret, Arne Jacobsen, Borge Mogensen, Bill Max, Michael Thonet, and Bodil Kjaer, complement the House's traditional architecture.

A significant cultural heritage collection of approximately 50 original ukiyo-e woodblock prints from a dozen major artists, including Utagawa Hiroshige and Shibata Zeshin in the 1840s, and Azechi Umetaro and Sekino Junichiro in the 1960s, is on display throughout SSH No.03.

Complementing the House's traditional architecture is a collection of antique Japanese furniture and vintage mid-century modern furniture, including historically significant pieces by renowned designers. The interiors are beautifully curated with minimalist decor that creates a tranquil atmosphere, allowing guests to fully unwind and relax in luxury.

SSH No.03 offers an immersive and unique experience that combines traditional Japanese architecture, natural beauty, and modern luxury living. It is an ideal destination for families and friends to spend quality time together in a peaceful and serene environment, away from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

• Complementing the House’s traditional architecture is a collection of antique Japanese furniture as well as vintage mid-century modern furniture, including historically significant pieces by Charles and Ray Eames, Pierre Jeanneret, Arne Jacobsen, Borge Mogensen, Bill Max, Michael Thonet, andBodil Kjaer.  

• On display throughout SSH No.03 is a significant cultural heritage collection of approximately 50 original ukiyo-e woodblock prints from a dozen major artists including Utagawa Hiroshige and Shibata Zeshin in the 1840s, and Azechi Umetaro and Sekino Junichiro in the 1960s.  

You can visit: https://www.shishiiwahouse.jp