Master builderās painstaking feat places vernacular architecture at heart of luxury resort, opening 2024
20 July 2022:Ā The Pavilions Niseko Resort, Hokkaido has announced the completion of several major development milestones ahead of its launch in 2024 – including the remarkable relocation and painstaking reconstruction of a c. 125-year-old traditionalĀ kominka. Formerly a family home in Takayama, the two-storey timber building has been given a new lease of life as the upcoming resortās Clubhouse, continuing Japanās burgeoning kominka movement and placing vernacular architecture at the heart of The Pavilions Niseko experience. The Pavilions Niseko also confirmed completion of four of 19 planned resort villas, and the official registration of the Pavilions Ginto Onsen by the Ministry of Environment in accordance with Japanās āHot Springs Actā.


A regenerative travel initiative that began in the mid-Noughties, the kominka movement aims to preserve and breathe new life into traditional wooden homes by transforming them into commercially viable guesthouses, hotels, cafes and flexible workspaces. The Pavilions Nisekoās recently completed Clubhouse kominka was first built around 120 – 130 years ago in Takayama city, Gifu prefecture – famed for its master craftsmen and carpenters – using the same construction methods as the 1,300-year-old Heijo castle. After being purchased by The Pavilions Niseko, the building was meticulously dismantled by a local traditional master builder. The 40 tonnes of individually tagged bicentennial timbers were then transported over 800 miles to the resort site in Hokkaido, before being reconstructed with sympathetic extension and additions designed byĀ ALT-254. A second historic kominka, dating back to 1859, is also in the process of being dismantled and relocated, in preparation for its new life as the resortās Spa building.
In keeping with Japanese custom, reconstruction of the Clubhouse kominka began with a traditionalĀ JichinsaiĀ (å°é®ē„) ground-breaking ritual. Literally meaning āpacification of the groundsā, theĀ JichinsaiĀ serves to sanctify the ground, calm its energy and bless the new building. Performed in this instance by a Buddhist monk – although more usually done in the Shinto style – the ceremony included the presentation of offerings such as sake, rice and salt to the spirit of the land. āMochiā rice cakes were also scattered from the top of the kominka to bring abundance and good business.
Scheduled to open in 2024, The Pavilions Niseko is a villa resort concept built in theĀ sukiyaĀ architectural style, where natural materials and Japanese architectural elements work in harmony with the outdoor scenery. Nestled in the Ginto Hirafu forest, close to the white powder slopes of Mt Yotei and two hoursā drive from Chitose International Airport, the finished resort will comprise 19 hotel villas; 24 private āGinto Residencesā, which owners can choose to purchase as an already-completed residence or build their own; the Clubhouse with restaurant, bar, lounge and reception; a Spa offering a selection of wellness facilities; and an Onsen house which will welcome guests with a traditional bathing experience.
For further information please visitĀ www.pavilionshotels.com/nisekoĀ or emailĀ [email protected].



Pictured (l-r):Ā The Clubhouse kominka before dismantling; during dismantling; and during reconstruction at The Pavilions Niseko


Pictured (l-r): Reconstruction of the Clubhouse kominka began with a traditionalĀ JichinsaiĀ (å°é®ē„) ground-breaking ritual. Literally meaning āpacification of the groundsā, theĀ JichinsaiĀ serves to sanctify the ground, calm its energy and bless the new building.Ā