Sumu Yakushima
Regenerative Architecutre & Lifestyle
Yakushima Island is a natural paradise in southern Japan where abundant rainfall onto 2,000-meter peaks nurtures dense forests home to millennium-old Japanese cedar. This innovative housing co-op applies "regenerative architecture" to reconceptualize the relationship between human habitation and this nature. The name Sumu means both "to live" and "to become clear," expressing its core concept of living in a way that positively impacts the landscape. Rather than being a discrete site, the design takes a holistic view of the entire river basin, from the mountains to the sea, making a positive contribution to natural processes.
iF Gold Statement
Taking extraordinary care not to disturb the fine balance of human and natural presence at this World Heritage site, this building abounds with subtle representations of Japanese master-craftsmanship. Like a haiku, this form reveals its depth on closer inspection.
Client / ManufacturerDesign
Sumu Yakushima
Kagoshima, JPMoss guide club
Kagoshima, JPtono Inc.
Kagoshima, JPTsukasa OnoDate of Launch
2022
Development Time
up to 24 Month
Target Regions
Asia
Target Groups
Consumers / Users