Zen Retreat

Pritzker Prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban is back in the news with Shishi-Iwa House, a 10-room restorative retreat in Karuizawa, Japan - the first in a series of hospitality concepts by HDHP GK, a social enterprise by HDH Capital Management. The 10-room boutique resort was constructed using Ban's new eco-friendly building approach designed to conserve as many existing trees as possible. Timber frames were sandwiched between prefabricated plywood panels to create a series of modular frames that were assembled on the site to achieve the distinctive curvature of the building. The 10 guest rooms are divided into three terrace villas, with a shared social space for guests to convene for some lively interaction. Located in the the popular mountain resort town in Nagano that's famed for its natural scenery, it's set to be a go-to retreat for frazzled city dwellers.

For more details visit: www.shishiiwahouse.jp/