Kengo Kuma has designed two prefabricated houses for Muji. They are small, simple, beautiful, can come in many variations, are made of standardized kits of parts. Both house prices start around $200,000 US$, so it’s definitely the Muji of architecture.

The ‘Window House’ is based on the idea from feudal-era tea houses where the windows are placed to give strategic views outside, like picture frames, and are mounted low, so that the views are best enjoyed when you are seated. In addition, the house has several internal windows that allow you to peek through to other rooms in the house.  The window locations are variable, so you can adjust the design to suit your specific site and living tastes.

The ‘Tree House’ has been built many times and this page describes, in pictures, the incredible variation the Muji houses have. It is designed to harness natural light and energy. From the looks of the diagrams, the floors receiving direct sunlight absorb the energy and radiate it back into the house. The house has a open interior balcony to introduce cross breezes combined with a chimney effect. In addition, energy-efficient materials are used elsewhere.

These houses are studies in combining traditional Japanese house craftsmanship with an industrialized construction industry. The kit of parts include simple wood beams with a machined connection system that are also earthquake resistant. In addition the system allows for the house to be modified or expanded in the future. Kengo Kuma’s greatness with Muji’s refined simplicity.

For more pictures visit: www.muji.net.

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