• Journal of the Architectural Institute of Korea Planning & Design
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.15-22
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• 2018

Raymond, who adopted Le Corbusier's Errazuris House Project, built Karuizawa Villa by incorporating Japan's aspiration for Western modern architecture and strong convictions regarding the preservation of traditional culture heritage, which were prevalent in Japan at the time. Despite the controversy over his plagiarism, Karuizawa Villa shows several unique architectural characteristics. First, in terms of the arrangement and access system, the villa has a common space that affords a view of the lake by accessing from the mountain side. Second, in terms of spatial composition, the common space is connected to the mesonnette by placing a trail to enable enjoyment of natural scenery. In particular, personal space is planned in the shape of a cross by connecting several surfaces to the outside in order to secure enjoyment of the natural environment. Lastly, in the aspect of structure and materials, both architectural buildings adopted masonry by using natural stone as well as building materials suitable for each region and climate by using logs in constructing the main columns and beams. Through Karuizawa Villa, Raymond is considered to have established his own style by combining the standard of Western modern architecture and the elements of Japanese traditional architecture while valuing local architectural technology.