i House: A Futuristic Japanese Residence Without Heating Systems

A Unique Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Aomori Prefecture, located in the frigid zone of Japan, was severely affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. In response to this tragedy, renowned designer Yoshihiro Matsuura embarked on a three-year project to create a house that would inspire and uplift the people of Tohoku district. The result is the remarkable i House, a fusion of traditional Japanese design and cutting-edge technology.

The i House is aptly named, as it stands for a house without heating systems. Matsuura's vision was to create a residence that would require minimal fuel and electricity expenses while providing a comfortable living environment throughout the year. The house achieves this through a combination of a traditional Japanese doma, or entrance space, and a super thermal insulation system.

The doma space serves as a half-outdoor, half-indoor area, providing a nostalgic and welcoming atmosphere. It features endai, traditional Japanese benches, irori, a traditional inner fireplace, and ofuro, a bathing space with a wooden bath tub. Residents can enjoy their meals by the irori, creating a sense of community and connection.

While the doma's walls are constructed with the usual 100mm thickness, the walls of the residential space boast a remarkable 340mm thickness for insulation, with a Q-Value of 0.49. This exceptional insulation ensures that the house remains warm in winter and cool in summer, without the need for any heating or cooling systems. The natural sunlight and human body heat effectively regulate the temperature inside the house.

Matsuura drew inspiration from the kura, traditional Japanese storehouses, in designing the i House. The thick walls of the kura not only protect the stored items but also trap heat, making it an ideal model for the i House. By incorporating this design element, the i House harnesses the natural heat generated by the structure itself and the residents' body heat, reducing the reliance on external energy sources.

Throughout the design process, Matsuura visited Fukushima multiple times to witness the aftermath of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant disaster. This experience further fueled his determination to create a house that utilizes natural and human body heat, providing a safe and sustainable living environment for the people of Tohoku district.

The i House project began in April 2012 and was completed in April 2015 in Aomori Prefecture, Japan. Since its completion, the i House has garnered recognition and acclaim, receiving the prestigious Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category in 2017. This award celebrates the innovative and ingenious design of the i House, which combines traditional Japanese aesthetics with forward-thinking technology.

The i House stands as a symbol of resilience, innovation, and hope for the people of Tohoku district. It showcases the potential of sustainable and energy-efficient design, providing a blueprint for future residences that prioritize both comfort and environmental responsibility.