Earth Bricks

Project Description

This is the first house with an earth structure to be built in Japan. With generous support and understanding from our client, we were able to collaborate with universities and professionals from related fields to carry out numerous workshops and experiments in order to develop an earth brick masonry system, using mud from the earth and other natural ingredients.
The “earth bricks” measure 400mmx250mmx100mm and each one is handmade, using moulds, earth and natural firming ingredients. A total of 2500 bricks were laid by hand to complete the structure.
The plan is in the shape of a ‘comma-shaped bead’ or a traditional decorative bead that was used as a lucky charm during the Stone Age in Japan. Glass bricks top the masonry walls, in order to create a band of light just under the roof that softly illuminates the interior.
The partition walls and the upper floor are made of LVL panels. The ground floor was laid with polished terrazzo. Two skylights let natural light inside, illuminating the space enclosed by the earthen walls.