Koji Tsutsui Architect & Associates | InBetween House | Karuizawa (JAP) | By Lee Fleming

Located in Karuizawa, a laid-back town situated at the foot of Mt. Asama-yama in South-eastern Nagano is the InBetween House, a private residence designed by acclaimed architect Koji Tsutsui whom having spent several years at Tadao Ando Architect & Associates currently has architectural practices divided between San Francisco and Tokyo.

Inspired by the soaring karamatsu pine trees and alpine scenery, the InBetween House was imagined by its owners as a blend of Philip Johnson and Junzo Yoshimura. Referencing classic nature-infused Japanese architecture, the Inbetween House is actually five separate cabins interconnected and shaded by sloping roofs, Tsutsui designed the Karuizawa dwelling to take advantage of the topography and picturesque views, it also metaphorically represents the homeowners’ divide between a bustling Tokyo city life and rural surroundings.

To view Koji Tsutsui Architect & Associates portfolio visit their website. Photography by Iwan Baan.