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B House is an Awesome Prefabricated Off-Grid Home in Kumamoto, Japan
Posted By
Tafline Laylin
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Architecture,Environment,Homes,Renewable Energy |
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The initial shell cost $154,000, which is said to be on the low end of local home prices, and was constructed off site before it was assembled on its present lot in 2009. All of the basics of sustainable design were implemented, including optimum solar orientation, daylighting, solar shading, and natural ventilation vis a vis the chimney effect.
Then the extras were added, including hydronic heating to be fed by a geothermal loop, provisions for a future green roof along with rooftop solar thermal panels and a rainwater harvesting system. Only the healthiest materials were used in construction, ensuring that the 1,100 square foot home would have a negligible impact on the environment, and the outdoor gardens have been planted with space and water conservation in mind.
Even though public school teachers rarely rake in a pile of Yen, a studious couple committed to building an earth-friendly prefabricated home in Japan that would be entirely self-sufficient. Anderson Anderson Architecture helped the couple afford the dream home by implementing their green goals in stages, starting with this charming timber-framed structure overlooking Kumamoto. Hit the jump to find out why we give the B House an A++ on the Inhabitat green building scale.
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The B House by Anderson Anderson Architecture is a prefabricated timber-framed home in Japan
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Constructed off site with only the finest natural materials, the home now overlooks Kumamoto
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It is exceptionally well-lit and ventilated and boasts solar shading, hydronic heating and a host of other sustainable features.
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The original structure cost just $154,000 – a steal in Japan
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Solar thermal panels and a green roof were slated to be installed
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Owned by a couple of public school teachers, the B House is a sterling example of what can be achieved when we commit to being “green”
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