Riken Yamamoto‘s Ecoms House exemplifies a new kind of home economics. Constructed out of aluminum panels, this diminutive 24-foot by 24-foot box demonstrates how economy in size and fabrication can lead to surplus in style and coolness. A prototype residence for SUS Corporation, a manufacturer of aluminum precision machine parts and furniture, this home was initially an experiment to create something out of aluminum that could not be expressed with steel. The exterior is inspired by the traditional use of tatami mats in Japanese homes — each of the four sides featuring transparent, opaque, and glass-covered aluminum lattice panels.
The prototype is located in the Saga Prefacture at the southernmost tip of the Japanese archipelago. Perfect for either commercial or residential use, it offers two bedrooms, a bathroom, and storage on one floor and a kitchen, dining, and work space on the other. Flexible configuration allows for the work-live and private spaces to be interchangeable, depending upon the inhabitant’s needs and preferences.
6 Responses to “PREFAB FRIDAY: Riken Yamamoto’s Ecoms House”
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Maybe cool, maybe just ugly, but every interior feature in the photos is a cleaning nightmare, particularly the diamond window lattices. If only architects and designers had to clean houses before they were allowed to design them . . . .
I don’t se any sign of interior stairs or an elevator. With so many who need housing getting older and accessibility requirements for public, commercial buildings., it seems odd to create designs which require mountain-climbing skills to get to the second floor.
That, Sarah, is a great observation. The focus here was definitely on the practicality of production, not the practicality of everyday living.
LOL Sarah – that was my first thought too. Must be a girl thing to notice that right away. Other than that – interesting concept – maybe a little softening needed with some more organic elements continuing with the Japanese-inspired theme. Throw in a bit of wabi-sabi
. Also, I second the accessibility issue – especially in North America where the Boomers are the dominant force still… that will be the business to be in; accessible spaces that are modular for future use.
super cool … a little stark, almost takes me back to ’20s design somehow.
would melt.