When we're surrounded by trees and gathered around a fire, our conversations take on a deeper meaning.
When night fell, a fire was lit in the wood-burning stove. The three of them, who had been doing their own things, naturally gathered in the same place.
For these three outdoor enthusiasts, a fire is more than just a source of warmth. It’s also a tool that helps clear their minds and sparks lively conversation. In a 〈BESS〉 home equipped with a wood-burning stove, you can enjoy the benefits of such a fire right indoors.
Then, without anyone in particular bringing it up, the conversation turned to the house in *BESS*.
What left the strongest impression on Mr. Masuda was the tree.
“In a typical house, the walls are covered with wallpaper and the floors are coated, so it’s strangely pristine. But in a 〈BESS〉 house, everything is genuine wood. It smells great, has a nice, rustic feel to it—in a good way—and the air even seems fresher. I wonder if that’s because the wood is breathing.”
Mr. Tsuchida also said he felt an overwhelming sense of nature.
"Of course, since it's a house, it's man-made, but because it uses so much wood, you can really feel nature even when you're indoors. I was able to relax completely. I wouldn't have been able to unwind this much in a luxurious space. It's not just about the atmosphere—I realized how important materials really are."
Mr. Nagashima said that living in this house made him realize that his behavior had changed.
"Usually, when I'm at home, I open my computer right away. It's become second nature to use technology. This house has an internet connection, and I actually brought my computer with me. Still, I just didn't feel like opening it today."
After hearing those words, Mr. Tsuchida fell deep in thought and continued as follows.
“I’m sure that in a 〈BESS〉 home, you can really immerse yourself in things like talking with people, eating, running, listening to music, and drinking. I guess you could say it makes those everyday moments feel more satisfying than usual. That’s why I think Mr. Nagashima didn’t open his laptop.”
