Loft Niseko raises alpine design standards to new heights in Japan's premier ski resort

HONG KONG - Apex Property, a boutique Hong Kong developer founded by entrepreneurs Vicky Lam and Sylvia Tang, is proud to announce the launch of LOFT Niseko, an ultra-luxury development comprising just four loft-style three-bedroom apartments in the top tier Japanese ski resort of Niseko.
The new luxury apartments will offer visitors to Niseko the most exclusive designer accommodation complete with a private concierge service to take care of all of their needs, starting from February 2014.
Uniquely, the new luxury serviced apartments will be launched on an invitation-only basis for the first season to handpicked members of Hong Kong society who will become the first to experience the ultimate in luxury alpine living.
Based in the ultra-exclusive and picturesque Hirafu Village only a short stroll away from some of Asia’s best ski slopes, LOFT Niseko offers guests a dedicated on-site concierge that can provide services such as organizing lift passes, equipment hire, activity and lesson booking, as well as restaurant reservations, in-house catering and entertainment, chauffeur services, and airport transfers.
Apex Property employed yoo Design Studio, a company founded by world renowned designer Philippe Starck and international property entrepreneur John Hitchcox, to develop the eco-friendly LOFT Niseko.
Representing the first foray into Japan for both Apex Property and yoo Design Studio, it was important to collaborate with an architect with Japanese sensibilities and so award-winning Riccardo Tossani Architects, the Tokyo based firm responsible for shaping the look of Niseko’s prime real estate over the last decade, was selected.
This tripartite collaboration has brought together the best of location, architecture, and design, to create the ultimate in ski resort living that will set new standards in luxury chalet skiing for Asia’s ultra-high net worth travellers.
Sylvia Tang, Hong Kong based co-founder of Apex Property states: “We have been keen to enter the Japanese ski resort market for some time as the demand for luxury skiing holidays in Japan is growing, yet there is still a lack of very exclusive experiences and facilities that cater to the very top of the market.”
Sylvia’s partner Vicky Lam continues: “Niseko is renowned as being a high-society winter playground, and LOFT Niseko’s address is in the absolute prime position. Because of its location on the famous ‘middle bluff’ – Donguri Avenue, one of the best streets in Niseko - building height restrictions ensure that all properties have views of Mount Yotei.”
Built on elevated land, all four apartments at LOFT Niseko whether on the ground floor, the first floor, or the top floor, have breathtaking protected mountain vistas.
It was important that the architecture and interior design of LOFT Niseko matched its incredible location and unobstructed views. As such, Riccardo Tossani Architects developed four separate loft style apartments, made up of three spacious bedrooms and three bathrooms, complemented by triple height ceilings throughout. The design embraces a simple yet graceful style, letting the natural beauty of the views and the sunlight shine through panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows. Each apartment also boasts large balconies and terraces suitable for outdoor summer living.
yoo Design Studio developed LOFT Niseko’s interior to highlight an exquisite and sensitive interpretation of chic Japanese alpine living.
Each of the four beautifully appointed apartments embraces modernity with a generous array of idiosyncratic delights, a design vision that is informed by an understanding of the future of high end chalet living.
The intent to create an experience that is comfortably connected with the location is exemplified by timber planks to the walls and ceilings, individually crafted to fit the space, stone flooring throughout, with hand-tufted wool rugs to complete the natural style.
The apartments deliver a sense of freshness and light, while maintaining a cosy ambience, with an emphasis on chic and luxurious comfort.
Standing apart from a wall of glass looking toward Mount Yotei, a long table cut from forest pine anchors the convivial hub through daytime and evening. A state of the art entertainment system with surround sound supports guests’ own plug-in content and links to a wall-mounted flat-screen television.
Guestrooms in each loft share the qualities of understated luxury, spaciousness, and comfort that sets LOFT Niseko apart. As in the public areas, the guestrooms are clad in timber and are refined and residential in ambience with an interplay of textures and a soft colour palette, enlivened with accents inspired by the verdant forest outside, and complemented by a lavish white woolen carpet covering the floor.
John Hitchcox, co-founder of yoo Design Studio, states: “We are very excited that our first project in Japan is nearly complete. This project marks a significant step into a new market for us, and I firmly believe that LOFT Niseko will raise the bar for the ski resort’s prime real estate landscape.”
A hot favourite with international ski professionals and Asia’s affluent families, thanks to its consistent powdery snow conditions, Niseko’s ski season starts from November and runs all the way through to April. Niseko is suited to all abilities of skiers, with a large variety of groomed runs that are ideal for families and beginners, as well as dozens of access gates opening up kilometres of back country terrain.
Niseko is also a popular vacation spot throughout the year. Golf, hiking and fly-fishing are just some of the attractions when Niseko’s powder snow melts, ensuring a steady demand for quality accommodation.

Sourced: TravelDailyNews