: Residence

: Anywhere

: ISHIKAWASAMBO 

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: 2020

: ISHIKAWASAMBO

The Onigiri Home: A Meditation on Space, Simplicity, and Sustainability

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In Japan, rice is more than sustenance—it is a cultural cornerstone, a symbol of resilience, and the foundation of daily life. Inspired by this fundamental element, The Onigiri Home reinterprets the essence of the humble onigiri into a 25-square-meter microhome that embodies mindfulness, organic design, and a return to nature.

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At its core, this architectural proposal is an exploration of small-scale living without compromise, merging traditional wisdom with contemporary needs. With its curved, enveloping form, the structure takes cues from the gentle ergonomics of an onigiri, creating an intuitive and calming interior flow. By seamlessly integrating locally sourced materials and natural elements, the home becomes a harmonious extension of its environment, fostering a slower, more intentional way of life.

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A Sculptural Form Rooted in Function

Derived from the onigiri’s shape, the curved architecture serves as an intuitive spatial guide, designating areas for bathing, dining, working, and lounging. The heart of the home is its central core, where all essential utilities—kitchen, storage, toilet, and shower—are efficiently integrated, ensuring a fully equipped yet compact space.

Facing the large, round soaking tub is the shower area, positioned to take advantage of natural light. The kitchen is generously proportioned, extending seamlessly into the dining and working space, while ample storage solutions are strategically placed by the main entrance and living area, allowing for both functionality and minimal clutter. A circular loft, accessible via a wrap-around track for the ladder, provides additional living space while reinforcing the organic, flowing nature of the design.

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Materiality and Environmental Considerations

A fusion of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary sustainability, The Onigiri Home utilizes shikkui lime plaster for the exterior walls, a material known for its breathability, durability, and natural antibacterial properties. The wooden structural framework enhances both the tactile warmth of the interior and the home’s connection to nature. Triple-glazed sliding glass doors and fixed windows with aluminum awnings optimize thermal insulation while allowing natural light to flood the interior.

Custom-shaped photovoltaic panels and a strategically placed skylight ensure the home remains energy-efficient, while a greywater collection, treatment, and distribution system supports sustainable water usage. The curved form of the home serves a functional purpose beyond aesthetics—it directs rainwater and snow towards a collection system embedded within the platform, promoting self-sufficiency and environmental responsiveness.

The 25-square-meter structure rests on a circular platform, elevating the home slightly to enhance flexibility and provide a 360-degree panoramic view of its surroundings. The platform itself is designed as a versatile living space, easily transitioning between dining, lounging, and open-air relaxation. Inside, a thoughtful division between wet and dry areas, accentuated by wooden flooring and locally sourced ceramic tiles, ensures that every inch of the home is purposefully designated.

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Beyond Shelter: A Philosophy of Slow Living

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More than a dwelling, The Onigiri Home is an architectural metaphor—a vessel for mindfulness and an invitation to embrace the rhythms of nature. It challenges the conventional urban narrative, advocating for a lifestyle rooted in simplicity, sustainability, and sensory well-being. By situating architecture within the landscape rather than imposing upon it, the design fosters a symbiotic relationship between inhabitant and environment.

In a world increasingly defined by speed and excess, this microhome stands as a quiet yet radical proposition: that true fulfillment lies not in expansion but in the refinement of how we inhabit space. Like the rice plant that grows steadily with the seasons, our relationship with our environment flourishes when given room to breathe, reflect, and reconnect.