By bullet train, the Marvel Star Iohno Golf Club in Nasu is only an hour away from the crowded streets of Tokyo. In terms of the feeling it gives people who travel there, it's light years away. "The clubhouse is designed for relaxation, like a sanctuary," explained Architect Yuji Noga. "In contrast to the concrete and metal buildings in the city, we wanted to create a comfortable space where people are surrounded in the warmth of a wood structure and wood windows." And according to Noga, Andersen windows were a vital element in turning this vision into reality. "Wood windows like these are quite rare in Japan. Most windows used in commercial buildings are aluminum or steel, and wouldn't blend into the space. Because Andersen windows are made from the same type of wood as the columns and beams, they become one with the structure."

"I'm very involved in promoting timber-frame construction in Japan, and used those methods here to integrate the Iohno clubhouse with its natural surroundings and give it dignity. It's like a tree made out of lumber. Even though the wood columns and beams dominate the large interior space, the wood frames of the Andersen windows give it a more delicate feeling. They make each section of the window smaller, closer to human scale. So people will feel comfortable."