G0hee Inc - Tiny/Tsujido (Japan)

Architecture

May 29

The project site is located in the Shonan area of Tsujido-Motomachi, Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture. This regenerative project is situated on land that has been passed down through 13 generations of landowners. The project began out of a desire to preserve the culture, tradition, and natural beauty of the land while avoiding selfish use by the current landowners.

Inspired by the principles of permaculture, the project includes four rental detached houses designed around the concept of "a life connected to the earth, created by loosely gathering together on this land." In addition to these rental homes, the site features the main house where the owner resides, a detached house, a three-family apartment building built by the owner's grandfather, and a "common house," which is a renovated 70-year-old single-story building available for resident use. This setup creates a small village-like atmosphere where all elements are organically connected.

The site is open to the surrounding community, providing a space where resources and people can meet and interact. Our goal is to foster a self-managed community where quality interactions and resource sharing thrive.

Currently, we are in the second phase of the project, with plans for a third phase underway. Our vision includes developing the "TinyTsujido" method, a format designed to help landowners concerned about inheritance taxes or those looking to secure rental income without resorting to mass-produced apartment complexes. This approach offers a culturally rich, forward-thinking way to utilize inherited land.

This project is an ongoing experiment in regenerative, experiential housing that prioritizes new and essential values over traditional, hardware-based construction. It will continue to evolve with the collaboration of landowners, residents, and various stakeholders.