Architecture News

In an inspiring display of collective endeavor and historical preservation, nearly two thousand individuals collaboratively shifted the majestic keep of Hirosaki Castle, a revered landmark in Japan's Aomori region. This monumental task, involving a 360-tonne structure, was accomplished using the traditional Japanese hikiya technique, where the entire keep was placed on rollers and moved by human power, demonstrating a profound respect for heritage and community spirit.

This careful relocation followed extensive refurbishment of the castle's stone wall, which had suffered earthquake damage. The three-story edifice, originally constructed in 1810, was temporarily moved in 2015 for these vital repairs. The recent volunteer-led effort, involving groups of 80 pulling 30-meter ropes, has brought the keep two meters closer to its historic 17th-century complex. Over the coming weeks, an additional 4,100 volunteers are anticipated to contribute, moving the tower a total of five meters by hand before machinery completes the remaining 73 meters, ensuring its return to its permanent foundation by year-end.

The decision to employ the hikiya method, first announced in 2015, allowed for the structure's move without disassembly, preserving its integrity. This method echoes similar large-scale relocation projects, such as the impressive transport of a 672-tonne church in Sweden's Kiruna for mine expansion. Such endeavors highlight a global commitment to safeguarding architectural heritage through innovative and community-driven approaches, ensuring these venerable structures continue to inspire for generations to come.

The successful relocation of Hirosaki Castle's keep is a testament to the enduring power of community and tradition. It illustrates how ancient techniques, combined with modern dedication, can overcome significant challenges in preserving cultural landmarks. This effort not only protects a piece of history but also unites people in a shared purpose, reminding us that even the grandest structures can be moved and sustained through collective will and innovative solutions, fostering a deeper connection to our past and a hopeful vision for the future.

Harmonizing Architecture with Nature's Gradient

The Architectural Vision: Responding to the Terrain

UUfie's ambitious renovation of the 1970s chalet at Belfountain House was driven by a desire to create a dwelling that felt intrinsically connected to its environment. Instead of imposing a rigid structure, the architects envisioned a design that would fluidly adapt to the steep, wooded site. This philosophy guided the entire project, emphasizing a sectional approach to construction that embraced the existing topography and its varying ground conditions.

Seamless Integration: Merging Old and New

The transformation of Belfountain House involved preserving the original northern section while completely redesigning the southern half within the existing footprint. A striking, elongated roof serves as a unifying element, drawing both portions together under a single span that elegantly mirrors the site's natural slope. This thoughtful integration ensures that the updated residence respects its heritage while embracing a contemporary aesthetic.

An Experiential Journey: Navigating the Slopes

With a sprawling 430 square meters (4,628 square feet) spread across four levels within a compact 238 square meter (2,561 square foot) footprint, the house is ingeniously organized to guide inhabitants through its varying elevations. The design intent was to create an experience akin to a scenic hike, where each space unfolds gradually, revealing changing vistas and inviting moments of quiet contemplation, fostering a deep connection between the occupants and the landscape.

Exterior and Interior Dialogue: Form and Function

From the outside, Belfountain House presents a captivating interplay of white stucco and black wood, punctuated by black metal railings, rooflines, and window frames. These elements frame the glazing, offering glimpses into the interior's unique angles and volumes. Inside, the design eschews traditional enclosed rooms in favor of a continuous, fluid landscape, promoting an open and dynamic living environment.

The Net Feature: A Dual-Purpose Design Element

The upper levels of the house are dedicated to bedrooms and communal areas such as the kitchen, dining, and living rooms, all nestled beneath a gabled roof with a pair of staircases. The lower levels cascade down the hillside, featuring open-plan spaces. A highlight of the interior is a suspended net that ingeniously divides the dining and lounge areas from the lower hallway and recreation room. This net not only acts as a safety barrier but also provides a playful hammock, adding an element of transparency and enjoyment to the sectional volume.

Illuminated Spaces and Material Richness

Between the upper and lower sections, a landing level houses a sauna and a gym. At the lowest point of the site, a guest room resembling a well is crowned with a steeply vaulted ceiling and a skylight. Polycarbonate, used for the sloped wall separating this suite, filters and diffuses natural light, creating a soft, luminous ambiance. The material palette within the house balances ruggedness with refinement, incorporating reclaimed elm, radiant concrete floors with large aggregates, and striking red steel beams that provide a sharp contrast to the wooden rafters.