Designed by Japanese firm Sola Sekkei Koubou, which specializes in passive design, Fukuoka H House is a two-story, nearly 1,010 square feet home. The home owners wanted an environmentally-friendly home that would provide a peaceful retreat at the end of the day. The home design capitalizes on sunlight for heating, and insulation retains the heat during cold weather. A corner wood-burning stove allows for additional warmth if necessary.
According to Sola Sekkei Koubou, the total primary energy consumption is a mere 72.89 kilowatt hours (kWh)/square meter-year. Annual heating load for the home is 52.21 kWh/square meter-year. The home is also equipped with a rainwater tank to capture water. Fukuoka H House obtained a low-carbon housing certification, per the house description on Sola Sekkei Koubou’s website.
Inside the house, stone tiles, white walls, and wood furnishings create a snug, modern ambiance. High ceilings with exposed beams make the house feel spacious, and a mezzanine work area adds extra space. Although the lot on which the house sits is small at around 3,381 square feet, the family made the most of their outdoor space by planting a garden.
The home design even benefits the family pet. A beam allows the cat to travel to a landing where it can look out the windows high above the ground. Other secret walkways throughout Fukuoka H House let the cat explore.