Please explain this one too.
Next, let’s talk about C, URBAN_EcO.
Urban means city, and eco stands for ecosystem.
This time, I wanted to explore what’s possible on a 24-tsubo lot (≈80 m²)—a typical narrow urban site.
Urban refers to the city, and eco comes from ecosystem.
This design explores what can be done on a narrow 24-tsubo urban lot.
The building is compact too.
Yes. The main floor area is about 21 tsubo (≈70 m²) plus 5 tsubo (≈16 m²) of underfloor storage.
Normally this would feel very tight, but by using a split-level design where each floor shifts by half a level, we create a sense of openness and connection between spaces.
We have about 21 tsubo of floor space plus over 5 tsubo of underfloor storage.
With a split-level layout, where floors are staggered by half-levels, we connect spaces and make it feel larger than it is.
You use split levels a lot, don’t you?
Yes. In small buildings, rooms can easily feel cramped.
Also, split-levels allow us to create underfloor storage or lofts that legally don’t count as additional floors under building regulations, so we can make better use of space within the two-story limit.
Yes. Small houses often feel cramped.
Split-levels let us add underfloor storage or lofts without breaking the two-story building code limit, so we can maximize space legally.
Even though it’s a small lot, there’s a lot of greenery.
n urban areas, most yards get paved with concrete, but that causes the heat island effect and removes precious soil space.
On small lots, leaving soil instead of paving everything is more valuable than people realize.
Paving everything creates heat islands and destroys rare soil spaces in the city.
So leaving soil and greenery is important.
People often say weeds are a hassle, though.
True. But instead of seeing weeds as a nuisance, I feel it’s more beautiful to let them grow and form a small ecosystem.
At my own house, on a similar small lot, I planted a few trees and some grass. Then dandelions flew in on their own.
Every year they bloom and scatter their seeds. Just watching that feels comforting.
I think a little ecosystem with weeds and wildflowers is more beautiful than concrete.
In my own yard, dandelions took root naturally, and seeing them bloom each year is heartwarming.
There are more patches of greenery too.
For example, behind the parking space, we could plant a few deciduous trees.
Use compost to enrich the soil gradually, turning it into soft, fertile ground.
Maybe it seems small, but in a city full of concrete, asphalt, and hard-packed dirt, having this one patch of rich soil (*1) gives a quiet sense of satisfaction.
We can also place solar devices or planters for vegetables in sunny spots.
Even small gardens become devices for creating small joys.
With 3D data, we can even simulate the sunlight to choose the best spots.
By planting trees and enriching the soil, we create a small, living ecosystem in the middle of the city.
Add solar panels, planters, and you get small joys and real sustainability.
I see it now!
If more houses like this appeared, urban neighborhoods could change.
I’m getting ideas too. Can’t wait to build one.
Exactly. Let’s make it happen!
This model is based on my former home and office in Komatsubara—a 20-tsubo lot with a 20-tsubo building.
In cities, people often give up on many things, but I think it’s interesting to explore what’s possible precisely because it’s the city.