Energy efficiency has become a common theme in urban planning. Combining it with nature-driven designs and materials can enhance the resilience of buildings to climate change, owing to their temperature- and moisture-regulating effects. Wooden...
Japanese temples and shrines have stood for hundreds of years, weathering typhoons, snowfalls and scorching heat days. The elegant clay tiles known as “kawara,” adorned with intricate decorations, have graced rooftops for 1,400 years...
Even in the 18th century, Tokyo, or the old “Edo,” was the largest city in the world with a population of around one million (London was next, with 630,000). Lords and noble samurai families lived in spacious houses with gardens around the Edo...
Some parts of Japan are renowned for experiencing heavy snowfall. As of 2023, data indicates that six cities in Japan are among the snowiest in the world. On average, Sapporo the capital city of Hokkaido, receives approximately 4.8 meters (about 191...
Enter the forest and gently brush the plants. Feel their warmth. Try chewing the leaves a bit and be surprised at the sweetness of the trees. In the Hida region, with its World Heritage sites, you can encounter nature that restores your mind and...
On January 17, Zenbird held an event, “Japanese Old Folk House Kominka and Sustainable Hints.” We welcomed Ryuichi Sugimoto, the chairman of the Japan Kominka Association as a guest. This online event featured the sustainability aspects of kominka...