Kyodo House

Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan

Architects: SANDWICH & team Low-energy

This contemporary home embodies modern architecture through harnessing the sun's energy. The house is centred on the living room that has been oriented to face the sun when it travels due south, and uses a number of overlapping box shapes to carry the natural light through the space.

Architecture practice SANDWICH has taken advantage of the light: in the winter the air is warmed by the sun and can spread through the space, while during summer a cool breeze carries through the window.

As a result of the clever design, no air conditioning is required in this building, saving energy and decreasing the householder's carbon footprint.

The architects designed the house to suit a family, or even as a shared living space. A unique element in this contemporary home is a rope swing in one of the main areas.

Another feature in the central atrium is a set of bookshelves in addition to an, 'alternative space sunken into the ground for events', said the architects, in order to create a community atmosphere. The timber used evokes a warm and inviting presence, adhering to the architect's concept.

All images courtesy of Nobutada OMOTE | SANDWICH