Life in Kyoto surrounded by mountains. The beautiful nature found nestled among those mountains. The traditions that have connected them since ancient times. With these relationships in mind, we embarked on a project to create a home that would serve as a microcosm of these deep connections. The title, “The House of Fermentation,” came to be when the client shared with his family how, in the past, earthen walls were made by applying fermented soil. This idea amused them greatly and, combined with their family’s passion for fermented foods, it became the name of the project.

The client decided to undertake the fermentation process on the site of Ohara, using for the walls the same soil where his family grows vegetables. Just as the smell of soil and the warmth of the sun bring back memories when they ate vegetables from the garden, the client and his family wondered if making the wall soil with their own hands could evoke a similar experience. One day, when the time comes to dismantle the house, how wonderful it would be if the children could take those earthen walls with them to their new homes, or perhaps continue using them even after the parents are gone. Unlike plywood, which becomes difficult to reuse after many years, they chose to use logs from Keihoku. For insulation, they repurposed used tatami mats.

As we, the Daisuki Light team, listened to the many heartfelt thoughts of his family, the project began with the notion that “a warm light has the power to nurture affection in a home.” This affection ensures that a home is cherished, loved, and passed down to future generations. We hope the warm glow of light softly surrounds the family in their daily life and supports them in making more happy memories together.