Japan’s Zero Energy Houses
In April 2014, the Japanese Government approved plans to encourage Zero Net Energy Houses (ZEH) with the goal of making them standard for new house construction by 2020. Zero energy houses are designed to use as much energy as they can create using renewable energy on-site.
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has also established an investigative commission to create guidelines and standards for construction.
However, there are some potential challenges. Solar power, for example, is not the most efficient option for all houses across Japan due to weather and environmental differences. Also, for houses on very small blocks of land, installing high capacity solar panels to offset energy consumption may not be physically possible due to the limited size of the site.Read more
Introducing our Unique Spaces
For those interested in an architecturally designed property, or something a little older or unusual, we are launching a special section on our site called Unique Spaces.
This is a carefully curated selection of properties currently listed for sale that, in our eyes, are different from the cookie-cutter apartments or homes that make up the majority of the listings in Japan. Some of these one-of-a-kind listings include pre-war homes, modernist masterpieces, and contemporary designs. Some may have been designed by famous architects or may have historical importance. We hope this section of our website will be a place where these properties are appreciated and exhibited, and may attract new owners who want a special place of their own.
Our current selection includes homes by Shigeru Ban and Yoshimura Junzo, as well as apartments designed by Tadao Ando and SANAA.
Due to the various age of these properties, they are in various conditions and some may require repairs and maintenance in order to restore them to their prime. We can introduce our clients to specialist architects and consultants who can assist in restorations and renovations.
Click below to view the current listings:
Japan has some of the top architects in the world, yet, based on our experience, the supply of uniquely designed homes listed for re-sale is extremely limited. Such homes rarely change hands and there are very few opportunities to buy. Awareness and appreciation of the value of architect-designed homes is also lost over time and, to our dismay, little attention may be paid to the history of homes by some realtors.Read more
Home staging gaining traction in Japan
Home staging might be an option considered by sellers when trying to list their property for sale in overseas markets, but in Japan it has been a practice limited to showrooms for brand new developments, or for properties that are being flipped by real estate companies. Options for private sellers have been limited until recently.Read more
PanaHome unveils 6-storey house
PanaHome have opened three 6-storey model homes in Tokyo and Yokohama. These are said to be the tallest model homes to be built in Japan.
The display homes are part of their Vieuno PRO series that includes both residential homes with retail and office space. A change to the inheritance tax laws in January 1, 2015, has caused wealthy landowners in Tokyo to seek ways to reduce their future inheritance tax burden. A residence with a portion that is leased out may be eligible for additional inheritance tax deductions.
The Vieno PRO homes allow for floors with high ceilings (up to 3.15m on the 1st floor), which can appeal to retail tenants, such as convenience stores. The homes can be built up to 7-storeys tall.Read more
1960s Osaka office conversion wins renovation prize
The conversion of a 48-year old small office building into a private residence won best design (open category) in the 2014 Renovation of the Year awards announced on November 2.
The 4-storey office building had a floor plate of 66 sqm and was surrounding by buildings on three sides, limiting natural light. The property was purchased for a relatively low cost due to its age and the difficulty in attracting commercial tenants.Read more
Witch’s House in Hamamatsu
Hamamatsu City can soon look forward to celebrating Halloween all year round as a spooky block of rental apartments nears completion.
The landlord, an avid collector of Halloween goods, wanted to design something that was fun not only for the occupants but also for anyone passing by. "Witch's House' has a uniquely warped exterior adorned with pumpkins, bats and crows. The apartments were designed and built by local builder Nukumori Workshop. This isn’t their first unusual project - they have built a number of Storybook style homes, shops and restaurants. Most of their clients are in their 50s and 60s.Read more
Sumitomo Forestry announces new luxury home plans
Sumitomo Forestry announced a new luxury home design and construction service aimed at wealthy clients who are seeking meticulously designed and well-appointed residences.
A model house in the Komazawa Koen Housing Gallery in Setagaya-ku is scheduled to open on October 17, while pre-inspections are currently available by appointment only. Another model house will open in Nagoya City. Both homes were designed by Design Partner Group.
The Komazawa model house was designed to reflect contemporary and traditional Japanese styles in an urban setting. All rooms open onto a central courtyard which provides light, air flow and a spot for greenery. Interior designer Yukio Hashimoto was in charge of the interiors, with special touches including traditional Japanese plaster, lacquering, gold and silver leaf and shoji sliding doors. Read more