Look at the Gondola House; a gentle mixture of ages-old and contemporary along the piece, it sits neatly at the center of Nozawa Onsen Village in Nagano Prefecture. The beautiful Furuya Design known as the Japanese workshop that belongs to it is responsible for the making of this architectural icon which at the same time celebrates its environment while offering a peaceful and tranquil refuge for guests to re-charge their mind and connect with Mother Nature.
A Tribute to Architectural Legacy
Nozawa Onsen's beautiful place and outdoor hot springs have earned the village a reputation as a must-see destination for travelers seeking peace and excitement. At the center of this unique spot, the Nozawa Onsen Lodge is located, a very recognizable structure which was the first one of Takamasa Yoshisaka's style to be built in 1969. Cherished as a symbol of the village's heritage, the lodge inspired Furuya Design's vision for the adjacent Gondola House.
Respecting the owner's deep-rooted attachment to the Avocado House, as the lodge is fondly known, Furuya Design sought to honor Yoshisaka's design philosophy while meeting the demands of the village's expansion plans. Embracing the egg-shaped design reminiscent of the lodge, the Gondola House elegantly navigates the snowy terrain, symbolizing a seamless continuation of architectural lineage.
(Photo : Furuya Design)
Elevating Hospitality
The Gondola House expands for three full floors above the ground level, inviting visitors to be enveloped in the serene and cozy atmosphere. Combined with an original design that incorporates wood, brick, and reinforced concrete, the structure features a serene presence that is in harmony with the natural setting. Inside, wide windows let light through and give intimate feel to the space, where people can flee from the set sea and give their minds a break.
As have all the famous Japanese architecture traditions, the directions of the Gondola House are designed in modest and uncontrived manner. Vaulted ceilings and soft hues of color create an illusion of space making the hotel ambiance feel comfortable and relaxing. In that way, the guests can enjoy the peacefulness of their environment and leave every worry outside.
(Photo : Furuya Design)
Embracing Nature
Those people who seek serenity will find it in an atmosphere of white (similar to the snowscape) the shelter of the well-blended Gondola House which, thankfully, doesn't look out of place in the wilderness. The Gondola House being situated away from the city hell through; therefore, the place becomes a private sanctuary where nature lovers come together. No less than the tremendous joy of ascending the mountain to the Gondola Heights, the house serves you as a medium to establish a link with nature and cultural heritage of the village.
(Photo : Furuya Design)
The Gondola House Experience
The Gondola House provides more than a just shelter to the guests, and solos the meaning of the hospitality. For this reason, the guests have a paradise for the senses, rather than just a place to live in. Either relaxing in the warm atmosphere of the lodge's snug cabins as you take in the stunning views, or going to mingle with the locals and visiting their exciting culture, tourist will be able to experience a voyage of knowledge and tranquility.
At the heart of Nagano's heights, "Gondola-ke" is a showpiece of old Japanese architecture, which puzzles nature's ceaseless flowing through the ages. Uniting nature and earth, and its enduring focus on guest satisfaction sets the mark for a magnificent attraction site. The timelessness in its awe-inspiring will ensure that the visitors get mesmerized for decades to come.