Sumu Yakushima Residence by Tsukasa Ono Receives the Bronze A' Design Award in Architecture, Building and Structure Design

The Work

Project

Sumu Yakushima Residence

Function

Residence

Category

Architecture, Building and Structure Design

Discipline

Spatial Design

Industry

Architecture

Colors

Black, Dark Olive Green, Gray, Rosy Brown and Saddle Brown

Images

5

Client

tono Inc.

The Recognition

Laureate

Tsukasa Ono

Country

Japan

Recognition

Bronze A' Design Award

Edition

2025 - 2026

Design ID

#181214

Credits

Image Credits

Photo: Rui Nishi

Design Details

Unique Properties

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.

Inspiration

Sumu is a place for tending to nature while reflecting on values. It applies Regenerative architecture, a new approach developed by the designers that combines traditional Japanese civil engineering with contemporary technology. Going beyond simply preserving nature, key considerations in the design are: 1. Designing the underground environment 2. Orientating buildings based on in-depth understanding of water and air flows 3. Creating an ongoing connection with nature through architecture

Research

Regenerative architecture is a method of building that works with soil microorganisms, supporting healthier conditions for surrounding plant life. It applies, in a contemporary way, traditional Japanese civil engineering knowledge that has largely been forgotten. To examine the effectiveness of this approach, three methods were used. First, the construction site itself was deliberately selected. The building was placed on the most degraded and depleted area within the property. The land was overgrown with weeds to the point that it was difficult to enter, mosquitoes were abundant, and the trees were weak, with thinning trunks and falling leaves.

Challenge

While the global pursuit of sustainability is highly commendable, in architecture it is generally understood as an effort to reduce negative impacts rather than to generate positive ones. This assumption stems from viewing architecture as an isolated object. In reality, every building site already contains an existing ecosystem. The project sought ways for architecture to connect with and contribute to the regeneration of that ecosystem. It was an unprecedented challenge, and until measurable results began to appear, the process relied on careful observation, research, and repeated trial and error. In Japan, very few practitioners have direct experience with this construction method.

Realization and Technology

Burned wood is placed under the foundations, and carbonized surfaces promote the growth of mycelium, joining the buildings to the soil network. This promotes a symbiotic effect whereby tree roots grow under the buildings and support the soil. Sumu comprises several separate buildings to enable a layout that respects the original natural landscape. The buildings protect the tree roots and reduce the impact of the wind, while stones supply minerals to the surrounding soil and foster tree growth. Tree roots passing under the buildings support the soil, an act of symbiosis between nature and architecture.

Operation and Interaction

True to its concept of making a positive impact by living among nature, Sumu residents adopt a “regenerative lifestyle” that enhances the environment through everyday activities, from collecting driftwood for use as firewood to clearing grass to allow cool air to flow through in a way that benefits the landscape. Sumu's design changes our relationship with nature. It enables residents to discover new possibilities for interacting with nature and adapt the way they think and act, building relationships with nature that transcend generations. Its unique approach has the potential to accelerate environmental initiatives if more widely applied.

Project Duration and Location

Duration： The project began in 2020, with the first phase of construction expected to be completed in 2022. Since then, the project has continued to expand its scope of activities, including the expansion of the deck, regenerative activities, and soft aspects such as education. Location: Yakushima island, Kagoshima, Japan

Specifications

The building area: 162m2.

Keywords

Regenerative, Sustainable, Nature positive, Environmental