tono mirai’s ‘red container’ in japan is a micro dwelling made almost entirely from larch wood

architect tono mirai has designed a small timber unit in japan’s nagano prefecture, which can be readily relocated. the project is titled ‘red container’, a name that refers to the color of the locally sourced larch wood used to realize the structure. as it has a floor area of just 9.9 square meters (107 square feet), the entire unit can be moved by a truck by putting an iron pipe under its steel base. the architect says that the versatile scheme can be used for various purposes and is capable of supporting both retail and residential programs.

all images by takeshi noguchi

tono mirai designed the project to promote the shinshu larch wood found in the saku area of nagano. the architect says that although the material is relatively strong among conifer trees, it has not traditionally been used for buildings because it can warp. however, new wood drying technology has resolved these concerns with larch now able to be used for a wide variety of purposes.

the space is predominantly outfitted with the same material, with a blue larch used for the flooring. a local carpenter with knowledge of local construction methods was responsible for finishing the interiors. the structure is topped with a roof that evokes the region’s undulating landscape. meanwhile, a clay wall serves as an accent, contrasting the use of timber. the design can be made to order with lighting and air conditioning also provided.

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project info:

name: red container
design and construction management: tono mirai architects / tono mirai
construction: kirihara carpenter
client: minami-saku cyubu forest association
design term: june-december 2019
construction term: jan-march 2020
completion: march 2020

building area/floor area: 9.91 sqm
storey: 1
maximum height: 2.83m
maximum eaves height: 2.42m
structure: wooden — conventional frame construction
basement: none (caster, adjuster bolt m20) — movable