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house
KAZUNORI SAKAI
On Amami Ōshima, an island of extreme humidity and scarce sunlight, this off-grid house allows a family of four to live comfortably without the grid or air-conditioning. Beneath a large roof, detached volumes create porous spaces linking indoors and outdoors, family and community, life and nature. Small-scale cycles of solar power, ventilation, shading, and water use sustain daily life with minimal impact. More than a dwelling, it becomes a cultural and ecological commons, turning island marginality into opportunity and offering a resilient, regenerative model for sustainable living today.
iF Gold Statement
This off-grid home on Amami Ōshima Island makes the best of the tough local climate. The generous roof, breezy detached volumes, and thoughtful renewable systems work together beautifully to deliver a minimalist but high-impact design. The building’s confident simplicity and technical resolve give it a sense of being rooted in local tradition yet forward-looking. Awe-inspiring!
Client / ManufacturerDesign
KAZUNORI SAKAI
Amami-city, Kagoshima, JPSAKAI ARCHITECTS
Amami-city, Kagoshima, JPKAZUNORI SAKAIDate of Launch
2024
Target Regions
Asia, Europe, North America
Target Groups
Consumers / Users