Amami House
Amami House is a self-sufficient residence on Amami Island, Japan, planned for a family of four. The island has a hot and humid climate with low levels of solar radiation. The house supports comfortable living without dependence on the power grid or air conditioning. Passive strategies such as natural ventilation, daylighting and insulation reduce the need for mechanical systems. The traditional hip-and-gable roof form is reinterpreted with contemporary performance features. A solar water heater, a composting system and a home garden complete a small cycle of self-sufficiency.
Amami House Residence by KAZUNORI SAKAI was featured as an exceptional illustration of architectural design by the A' Design Awards. Amami House Residence was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in Architecture, Building and Structure Design in 2026. The A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award is a juried, academic and highly prestigious design accolade that recognizes outstanding design of skyscrapers, museums, residential buildings, commercial complexes, educational institutions, religious structures, infrastructure designs, landscaping projects and more.
