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residence by OKDO doubles as green focal point in artificially developed japanese area

OKDO transforms deforested site into lush residence

 

Japanese architecture studio OKDO introduces The Woodland House, a residence in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, designed to turn a deforested site in an artificially developed area into a lush, community-centered space. Built into the natural elevation of the land, the project creates fluid connections between the home and its surroundings. With a focus on openness, greenery, and sustainability, the design embeds the house into its community and aims to achieve harmony with nature.

 

Previously a cleared forest, the site lacked greenery, public parks, or cohesive urban planning. The scattered arrangement of buildings in the area gave the neighborhood little sense of identity. OKDO responded with a residence that doubles as a green focal point, promoting ecological renewal and revitalizing the area. The house takes advantage of natural ventilation and passive cooling techniques, reducing the need for air conditioning and ensuring comfort year-round.

residence by OKDO doubles as green focal point in artificially developed japanese area
all images by Daichi Ano, courtesy of OKDO

 

 

The Woodland House will transform into a small forest

 

Rejecting traditional boundaries like fences, the Tokyo-based architects at OKDO embraced an open design that connects The Woodland House to the town. Wide views of the sky and carefully planted vegetation make the space inviting to neighbors and passersby, nurturing a sense of shared belonging. Over time, the hill-like form of the house is envisioned to transform into a small forest, enhancing biodiversity and creating a lasting green landmark for the community.

 

Through collaboration across multiple disciplines, The Woodland House embodies a thoughtful approach to sustainable living and urban integration, presenting a model of coexistence that incorporates environmental stewardship and shared connections.

residence by OKDO doubles as green focal point in artificially developed japanese area
OKDO introduces The Woodland House in Japan

residence by OKDO doubles as green focal point in artificially developed japanese area
designed to turn a deforested site into a lush, community-centered space

residence by OKDO doubles as green focal point in artificially developed japanese area
the project creates fluid connections between the home and its surroundings

residence by OKDO doubles as green focal point in artificially developed japanese area
presenting a model of coexistence | image by Miwako Kido

residence by OKDO doubles as green focal point in artificially developed japanese area
the house takes advantage of natural ventilation and passive cooling techniques

residence-okdo-green-focal-point-previously-deforested-japanese-site-designboom-1800-01

over time, the hill-like form of the house is envisioned to transform into a small forest

residence by OKDO doubles as green focal point in artificially developed japanese area
large openings let plenty of natural light inside

residence by OKDO doubles as green focal point in artificially developed japanese area
nurturing a sense of shared belonging though the use of wood

residence-okdo-green-focal-point-previously-deforested-japanese-site-designboom-1800-02

the use of natural stone enhances the warm atmosphere of the space

residence by OKDO doubles as green focal point in artificially developed japanese area
soft, warm tones and wooden surfaces clad the interior

residence by OKDO doubles as green focal point in artificially developed japanese area
the Woodland House embodies a thoughtful approach to sustainable living and urban integration

 

 

project info:
 
name: The Woodland House
architect: OKDO
location: Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
area: ~450 square meters
 

structural design: Tectonica Inc.

facility design: YMO LLC

lighting design: Ripple Design

landscape design: GADNA GREEN WORKS | @gadnagreenworks

construction: Heisei Construction Co., Ltd.

mural: Kazuko Furuta |@kazuko_furuta

wall hanging: Yumi Nishimura | @_yumi_nishimura

swan wood carving: Daisuke Yamane

concrete craftsmanship: Koji Kobayashi

photographers: Daici Ano, Miwako Kido

videography: Hiroyuki Kurabuchi (Shot Shot Co., Ltd.) | @kurabuchi_hiroyuki

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