TAB designs and builds a 'super low-cost big house' in japan

offering a solution to the high cost of residential construction, the design team at japanese studio TAB introduces its SLBH (super low-cost big house) series. this first timber dwelling of the series is built for a family of four, who sought a home that was both spacious and affordable. many architects overcome the question of cost with a compact micro-home that offers a simple and condensed program. while living with less is not always a realistic solution — especially for a multigenerational client — TAB employs unconventional building methods to ensure that the dwelling meets the programmatic needs of the family. in addition to the typical living and sleeping spaces, the program includes a meeting space and study, along with a workshop for jewelry-making.

images by shinkenchiku-sha

TAB designs and builds this SLBH (super low-cost big house) with the spirit of ultra-efficiency. the project, part of a larger series, was completed with a budget of 12 million yen, or just over $110K USD. to maintain this budget, the team constructs a simple but logical structure that mimics the traditional japanese ‘minka’ housing type, characterized by its basic structure and sloped roof. the specifications ensure that all materials are standard dimensions to be installed or laid without cutting, while the long and short elevations are the same so only two facades were designed.

TAB comments on the development of its super low-cost big house: ‘this blank layout was handed over to the residents as ‘unfinished architecture’ that will encourage their participation in further designing their living space. taking advantage of the different characteristics of each layer, the family can share their opinions, design, and construct their living space as if they were renovating it, sometimes freely, sometimes conflicting with each other.’