Eco Living Japan

February 15, 2016

Westerners might presume that all Japanese houses are ecofriendly. Yet according to MacDonald (art & architecture, Temple Univ. Tokyo; New Japan Architecture), the truth is more nuanced. While historically Japanese houses have embodied many aspects that are now considered green, the author writes that since 1945 Japanese houses have not been designed to last, nor are they maintained, as insurance becomes unavailable beyond a certain period. She adds that building codes change frequently and there are no government incentives to renovate, thus the result is a "scrap and build" construction cycle. Some Japanese architects and clients are working to improve that situation by embracing sustainability in home design. Profiled here are 15 new or renovated houses in Japan and four Japanese-inspired dwellings in other nations, all of which depict elegant combinations of both the traditional and modern, each accompanied by fine color photographs. Most are compact, made of wood, and feature ecological design, materials, and equipment. Also provided are sidebars that explain key concepts and a list of resource websites and books. VERDICT This work will appeal to readers interested in recent Japanese architecture as well as those who follow sustainable design.--David R. Conn, formerly with Surrey Libs., BC

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