Organic Japanese Shell Residence Wraps Around a Centenarian Fir Tree

Situated within the enchanting <a title="Organic Shell Residence in Japan Wraps Itself Around a Centenarian Fir Tree " href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karuizawa,_Nagano" target="_blank">Karuizawa</a> forest in Japan, this curvaceous modern home was designed with respect for its delicate surrounding environment. Built around a centenarian <a title="Organic Shell Residence in Japan Wraps Itself Around a Centenarian Fir Tree " href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fir" target="_blank">Fir</a> tree, the Shell Residence flows through the forest thanks to its organic, yet very strong structure. Tokyo-based <a title="Organic Shell Residence in Japan Wraps Itself Around a Centenarian Fir Tree " href="http://www.artechnic.jp/" target="_blank">ARTechnic Japan</a> designed the stark white building to last in harmony with nature.

The Shell Residence is immersed in <a title="Organic Shell Residence in Japan Wraps Itself Around a Centenarian Fir Tree " href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagano_prefecture" target="_blank">Nagano prefecture</a>´s peaceful conifer forests, where it creates a stark contrast with its durable white facade.

The house is located in Karuizawa, a popular weekend retreat for Tokyoites that is just 10 minutes away from the capital by <a title="Organic Shell Residence in Japan Wraps Itself Around a Centenarian Fir Tree " href="http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2018.html" target="_blank">Shinkansen</a>.

The residence was built around a centenarian Fir tree and is made from long-lasting, low-maintenance <a title="Organic Shell Residence in Japan Wraps Itself Around a Centenarian Fir Tree " href="http://inhabitat.com/londons-energy-efficient-jodrell-laboratory-houses-the-worlds-largest-fungi-collection/wilkinson-eyre-kew-gardens-breeam-excellent-energy-efficient-jodrell-laboratory-2/" target="_blank">concrete</a>, which shelters the home from the forest's humidity and cold weather.

The Shell Residence is definitely a departure from <a title="Organic Shell Residence in Japan Wraps Itself Around a Centenarian Fir Tree " href="http://www.fotosearch.com/photos-images/traditional-japanese-house.html" target="_blank">traditional Japanese houses</a> - it's a striking, curvaceous shelter that seems to have landed from outer space.

The Shell Residence´s interiors are light, airy, and winding.

Because of the house´s unique curvaceous interiors, the furniture is custom-made from strong, hard oak.

The floors are made from local <a title="Organic Shell Residence in Japan Wraps Itself Around a Centenarian Fir Tree " href="http://inhabitat.com/the-patient-gardener-a-flourishing-pavilion-made-of-living-growing-cherry-trees/" target="_blank">cherry trees</a>, and they exhibit a gorgeous red tint that contrasts with the oak furniture.

The interior layout is very minimal and consists of two differentiated levels: the lower ground is used for public space, while the top floor is reserved for private use.

An <a title="Organic Shell Residence in Japan Wraps Itself Around a Centenarian Fir Tree " href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_automation" target="_blank">automated centralized system</a> controls the house´s humidity, heating, and ventilation, optimizing energy use.

The outdoor wooden deck is made from locally sourced wood and it acts as an extension of the interior floors.