RESORT GUIDE AKIO SHINYA DANJIRI MATSURI - Powderlife

REAL ESTATE NEWSby lizzy hooINSIDE SESHUIZUMIKYO’s NEw multi-home communityFOR months, the construction of Seshuleft those walking past wandering whatit would eventually look like. Many longnightslater, and all was revealed.WITH 374-square meters of internalspace, 30-square meters ofbalcony space, and 5 fully ensuitedbedrooms, there is plenty of roomto spread out at Seshu. The massiveopen living/dining/kitchenarea is located on the top floor totake advantage of the best viewstowards Mount Yotei. And, on thebottom floor you’ll find a spaciousmedia room, which opens out tothe 16-person jacuzzi. Furnishingsinclude works by top Hokkaidofurniture maker Conde House, anda 14-person oak dining table byAustralian designer Khai Liew.Concept design and coordinationof Seshu was handled by KeithRodgers of Taiga Projects, whocollaborated with architect KazuhiroIshide of Sapporo. “My goal was tocreate a chalet that is unmistakablyalpine in its usage of authentic,natural materials, while incorporatingcertain key elements of Japanesedesign.” Says Keith.Incorporating elements of ecodesign, the building is oriented duesouth for the maximum amount ofpassive solar heat gain, while theextended eaves will help to keepthe house cooler in summer.The entire house is wired with LEDlights and sensors, to reduceelectrical consumption.From the outside, this house isstriking and impressive – the detailinside, is even more alluring.IZUMIKYO has done the impossible inorder to release its newest multi-homecommunity located in St. Moritz – onekilometre south of the Hirafu intersection.Based on a 5-year handshakeagreement with a local farmer,Izumikyo has been able to successfullychange the land category of an18,000 tsubo farm from undevelopablefarmland to a development site.In japan, companies can only purchasefarms with the proper farminglicenses due to the strict regulations onagriculture. In order to develop a farm,it must remain fallow for a number ofyears before being able to change theregistration and develop.Ground breaking will begin nextsummer and 40 new houses withunique features can be expected.Homes will be backing on to a centralpark area with a koi pond and boardwalk,overlooking the Shiribeshi Valleybelow, as well as Mount Yotei and theski hill. Izumikyo will use its recentlycompleted boutique cottage developmentin Izumikyo 2 to showcase itsintended ‘Japanese-chic’ style.43powderlife issue 31 // January 22 to February 4, 2011 www.powderlife.com44powderlife issue 31 // January 22 to February 4, 2011 www.powderlife.com