Exterior of Shell House by Tono Mirai Architects Image © takeshi noguchi

Image © takeshi noguchi

Japanese Architect Tono Mirai designs small earth house with local wood and clay, using traditional techniques in a contemporary environment. Located near the forest of Nagano Prefecture, in central Japan, The Shell House reflects an unusual yet beautiful style, just as its clients wanted. 
Exterior of Shell House by Tono Mirai Architects Image © takeshi noguchi
Interior of Shell House by Tono Mirai Architects Image © takeshi noguchi
The Shell House follows organic shapes that blends perfectly with the surrounding forest. The architect chose local FSC wood and earth to reduce the environmental impact of the house. The walls made with the same materials, and are curved, stretching gently across the whole. A wooden deck  on the Southeast makes the users feel that the house has integrated with the forest. Restrooms are provided on the first floor with connected, continuous wooden doors. 
Interior of Shell House by Tono Mirai Architects Image © takeshi noguchi
Interior of Shell House by Tono Mirai Architects Image © takeshi noguchi
Designed using passive strategies, the outside wall, roof and ceiling has average heat transmission coefficient of  UA=0.49 (W/m2K). The project has received Japanese environmental assessment’s CASBEE’s five star rating and has satisfied the primary energy consumption standards in Japan reduction of 11%. The earth wall is combined with 180mm wool insulation, U=0.207 (W/m2K).
Find more projects by Tono Mirai Architects online on their website.
Project Images

Image © takeshi noguchi

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