Nestled in the fairy-like land of Nasu Highlands within the lush forest, this 300-square-metre clubhouse and activity centre is designed by Tokyo-based architecture practice Klein Dytham Architecture for the Risonare Nasu hotel in rural Japan. Named PokoPoko Club House, the activity centre is composed of connected three timber cone structures that give the hotel a distinctive outline. These unique structures can be noticed from afar. Take a tour to this fascinating clubhouse at SURFACES REPORTER (SR):

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Set in a forest clearing, this PokoPoko is lying on a path that connects the hotel's two locations. The architects wanted to design a building that can be seen poking above the trees and become an icon in the forest and a centre of attraction when seen from the road approaching the building. 

Peek Out From the Surrounding Trees

Klein Dytham Architecture co-founder Mark Dytham, said "The concept of the project was to create a fairytale building in a clearing of the forest." The three timber roof structures peek out cherrily in diverse directions from the top of the trees. 

According to the architect, "this is where the building gets its name from as 'PokoPoko' means to stick-out or stick-up in Japanese."

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"The clubhouse derives its form from the Japanese word poko-poko, which is onomatopoeic and means the sound of popping up – rather like a bamboo shoot popping up from amongst the trees," Dytham further explained.

Materials Used in the Structure

The roof of each of the cones was constructed using locally sourced pine. Two thin timbers with spaced off-cuts form the beams that run between a steel ring above the activity centre's glass walls, with a small steel ring forming a skylight.

These beams are topped with plywood sheets to create a tensioned skin. A grid of timber battens are used to hold the rigid insulation in place, creating an airy cavity, which again gets skinned by another plywood layer, which along with a ventilated paper layer forms the base for the shingle roof.

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Each Timber Cone Has its Distinct Function

PokoPoko is an activity centre and an area that serves the hotel's guests. Each timber cone has its own unique function and is explicable from the structures' interiors as their size also varies.

Central Cone Is For Cooking Activities

The timber cone in the middle contains dining and a kitchen area. It is bordered by two smaller spaces- one designed as a relaxing area for adults and designed for children to play or do fun activities.

Here, the guests and kids can participate in food workshops and make various dishes based on fresh ingredients grown in the hotel's own premises. Guests can prepare pickles or jams as well as pizza in the pizza oven.

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Climbing Net in PokoPoko

There is a tall white net structure connected from the floor to all way up towards the cone top in the door playground. It serves as a play area for kids encouraging them to climb towards the skylight.

At the same time, the younger kids can play in the ball pit at its base. This cone also has the clubhouse's toilets, which are sectioned by a small climbing wall. 

Adult's Space Features A Fire Pit

The other side of the oculus contains an adult's cone that provides enough relaxing space for parents. It is centreed around an open fireplace surrounded by green modular furniture designed by Klein Dytham Architecture as part of its Dora Dora furniture collection.

The seating system can be customised with vibrant fabric choices and a variety of accessories to clip on. The central and adult cone both open out onto the roof ahead of the clubhouse, where there is more seating area and a firepit.

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Although the three cones seem to have their structure, they are actually connected. The use of mid-level bookshelves does the partitions between the central and the side cones, creating an excellent visual connection between the fireplace and the playground.   

Even though the three sections of the clubhouse seem to have their own structure, they are in fact connected. The divisions between the central circle and the two on the sides are separated by the use of mid-level bookshelves, allowing for a visual connection between the playground and the fireplace.

This is such a beautiful and lively place, seamlessly connecting to the lush forest outside. It indeed makes anyone want to spend some time here amidst nature, even on a rainy day. Isn't it? Let us know your thoughts about this magical place.

Project Details

Info and photo courtesy: Klein Dytham Architecture

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