ADX transforms excavated soil into trapezoid walls for this house in japan

ADX has incorporated excavated soil into the construction of the trapezoid walls of this single-story house in minamisoma city, japan. ‘soil house’ is developed for a client who was forced to leave his home after the great east japan earthquake of 2011. in spite of its urban surroundings, the home establishes a strong connection with nature through an artificial earth landscape that resembles children’s sandcastles.all images courtesy of ADX

ADX has built ‘soil house’ for a client who had been living in a place surrounded by nature before the great east japan earthquake occurred. because of this disaster, he was forced to move to temporary housing and his family was separated. though the site they decided to build their new home is located in a residential district of minamisoma city, the family hoped it would be surrounded by nature, such as thick woods. ‘we decided to start by designing a landscape of the entire location first in order to respond to their wish,’ notes the japanese architecture studio.

‘during this project, we found that disposal of surplus soil costed much more than our estimation,’ continues ADX. ‘by getting an idea from a memory of playing with sand during our childhood, we shifted our plan from “disposing” to “utilizing” it as material of construction.’ the architects sprayed the walls covered with expanded polystyrene with a method of EPS civil engineering for the purpose of using both walls inside and outside as a building structure. as a result, they were able to create an atmosphere that merges with nature.

‘we wish this house will inspire people to think about themselves, their family, the region, and society in a comfortable and peaceful way,’ concludes the studio. ‘moreover, we desire this house built with local material to remain in their hearts as a symbol of the region.’

construction process

construction process

project info:

name: soil house

architect: ADX

location: minamisoma city, fukushima, japan

project manager: kotaro anzai

engineer: kenji nawa/ nawakenji-m

construction: tukuru

site area: 1003.02 sqm

building area: 144.27 sqm

total floor area: 137.02 sqm

eaves height: 3,340 mm

max. height: 3,727 mm