We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Franck Giral about their original and creative Ski Villa design work. Franck Giral is an award-winning architectural designer, that makes our world a better place with their original ski villa works.
Franck Giral ("FG") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Grand Tsuru Niseko Ski Villa. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
FG : We wanted to design a structure that would appear relatively light, and also with a blend of horizontal and vertical lines. We also had to deal with other factors, like privacy between buildings, capturing the forest views, etc...
FG : We wanted to achieve somenthing elegant that uses local construction methods.
FG : Have it built.
FG : It took roughly 10 months from concept to construction drawings.
FG : This design was commissioned by our client, the developer.
FG : This product, as of July 2024, is under construction, and completion of at least 2 villas are planned for December 2024. The project is being sold by the developer.
FG : Our core clientele is either developer or individuals of ski rental properties in Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan.
FG : The buyers are wealthy individuals who want a ski rental property near the ski hills.
FG : We tried as much as possiblel to stay away from properties in the vicinity. The short cantilevered roofs, the short balconies and the skii floor are all features rarely seen.
FG : The high slanted ceiling in the living space, surrounded by loft windows, which makes a very bright space open on the surrounding forest.
FG : We intensively used Revit, for the architectural, but also for the structural design. This helped us check the design in 3D and check all corners of the property.
FG : We believe in this project and our design, and thought we had a fair chance.
FG : This was a first for a small team of foreigners working in Japan, so it is an achievement to not only complete the design but have it being built. We are ready for more complicated projects.
