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General Design Co Mountain Retreat, deckThis <a href="http://inhabitat.com/house-ocho-is-a-green-roof-mountain-retreat-tucked-away-in-carmel-california/" target="_blank">mountain structure</a>, designed by <a href="http://www.general-design.net/" target="_blank">General Design Co</a>’s Shin Ohori, is no ordinary vacation cottage.A mashup between traditional camping and lodge elements, the residence is an escape for Tokyo based outdoor clothing and gear designers Setsumasa and Mami Kobayashi. Set in the extremely remote Chichibu mountain range, the<a href="http://inhabitat.com/off-grid-tennessee-micro-cabin-packs-in-high-design/" target="_blank"> rustic retreat</a> feels partially like roughing it- but with modern amenities.1
General Design Co Mountain RetreatThe structure is mainly built from locally harvested larch wood, which makes up a giant observation deck, stairways and a few hut like shelters.2
General Design Co Mountain Retreat, main roomThe main building of the structure is used to lunch, meetings, and research, with a rustic wood stove to keep warm and for cooking camping-style.3
General Design Co Mountain Retreat BathroomThe bathroom is outfitted with a classic clawfoot tub, and swinging door to take in the beautiful view while bathing. (the luxury of being <a href="http://inhabitat.com/six-senses-resort-on-con-dao-island-is-an-isolated-eco-paradise/" target="_blank">miles from civilization</a>!) The Kobayashis store firewood below their immense deck, where it is shielded from the elements.4
General Design Co Mountain RetreatThe entire camping feel of the structure is accentuated by the bedrooms- which are attached Northface tents. The yellow domes cap the shelters, and are accessible by ladder, or wall mounted climbing holds, in the spirit of the Kobayashi’s outdoor business. The tents are used year round. Fiberglass sliding doors are also found throughout the structure, and are often open in all weather conditions to let the fresh air in.5
General Design Co Mountain RetreatThe complex is powered during the day by a grid of solar panels, for lights and laptops. The couple and their guests can typically be found sitting around the fire pit, or hiking and trimming trees with their dog, Goo.6
General Design Co Mountain Retreat- firewood storageThe Kobayashi’s retreat is a camper’s dream escape from the dense city of Tokyo- with the luxury of a bath in a claw foot tub in the woods.7







