atelier tekuto: mobile smile project

‘mobile smile project’ by atelier tekuto, tohoku, japan
image © SS imaging company

japanese architect yasuhiro yamashita of atelier tekuto has begun production of the ‘mobile smile project’, a mobile housing
system for victims of the 2011 tohoku earthquake and tsunami in tohoku, japan. this initiative is currently producing cost-effective
dwellings which be quickly and easily transported by truck for immediate installation. the framework may be dismantled,
elongated or reformed for long-term residential applications, fabricated with durable materials projected to last for 30 years.

although a majority of established structures were habitable after the recent disaster, individuals were still moved to safer ground
due to the extensive damage affecting necessary infrastructure. this initiative eases the transition of temporary relocation
by allowing neighbors to cluster their homes and remain close to each other for a sense of community. carpenters and materials
are more easily attained in a city closer to tokyo and local carpenters handle on-site retrofitting. inhabitants may choose to anchor
with concrete foundations upon selection and placement upon a permanent site.

mobile home after transport
image © SS imaging company

wooden planks clad the exterior and interior for a warm and comforting presence and the exterior partitions are capped with a
white-clad gable roof to create a familiar outward form. added after transport, an entry stair leads to a large sliding glass door
which bounds a central kitchen with high ceilings. ribbon windows encompass each of the perimeter walls to introduce cross
ventilation regardless of the construct’s provisional orientation.

ribbon windows for cross ventilation
image © SS imaging company

facade with entry stairs in position
image © SS imaging company

gable roof line
image © SS imaging company

trailer wheels
image © SS imaging company

living room and kitchen
image © SS imaging company

alley kitchen arrangement
image © SS imaging company

portals to bathroom and storage wing
image © SS imaging company

view to kitchen from bedroom
image © SS imaging company

(left) entrances to two private rooms
(right) bedroom
images © SS imaging company

shower room
image © SS imaging company

front elevation at night
image © SS imaging company

illuminated from the interior
image © SS imaging company

detail
image © SS imaging company

floor plan / level 0
image courtesy of atelier tekuto

section
image courtesy of atelier tekuto

emergency and permanent positioning diagram
image courtesy of atelier tekuto

construction, transport and installation diagram
image courtesy of atelier tekuto

construction photos
images © hideki meguro + mitsuharu hirano

project info:

floor area: 12 tsubo including loft (1 tsubo=3.3 sqm)
construction period: 3 weeks
cost: 5 million yen
durability: over 30 years
start of production: 6. 2011
owner: n・c・s, japan trailer house association
architecture design: atelier tekuto
construction: home builder