Architects unveil off-grid masterpiece with surprising dual purpose: 'We want to create architecture as a beacon of hope'
Founded in 2017, Vuild has dedicated itself to efficient, eco-friendly living. When constructing new designs, the company consults experts on local climates and runs simulations to minimize its projects' environmental impact.
Its most recent project, "Nesting Naoshima," is completely off-grid. It runs entirely on solar energy and was constructed using light board materials, eliminating the need for heavy-duty equipment like cranes. The construction process took just two months.
Another interesting aspect of this off-grid home is its multipurpose use. While the Nesting Naoshima is a secondary residence for its owner, it also serves as a rental property.
This is only the latest installment in a series of green projects. Last June, Vuild completed construction on the Shodoshima Gate Lounge, a workspace in western Japan. Its foundation was made of granite, which is plentiful in the region, instead of concrete, a big polluter. In fact, the firm used only local materials for this project, giving the area's economy a boost.
While Nesting Naoshima is one of Vuild's only off-grid homes, it showcases the lifestyle's many benefits. For example, using solar energy makes you less reliant on the electrical grid. If there's a power outage, your house will be able to keep running. By consuming less energy and resources, you'll notice your utility bills will decrease after switching to an off-grid lifestyle.
It's also better for the planet. Relying completely on clean energy reduces your impact on the globe's warming. In the case of Nesting Naoshima, its solar panels generate 9300 kilowatt-hours per year, powering lights and AC units without pumping pollution into the atmosphere.
Of course, off-grid living isn't for everyone. This doesn't mean that there are no ways to reduce your energy intake. You could try installing solar panels, switching to an electric vehicle, or simply using your car less. Each of these options benefits the planet in some way, shape, or form.
Nesting Naoshima — and Vuild's other projects — were built with the planet's future in mind.
"We want to create architecture as a beacon of hope that contributes to the development of the next generation," its website explains. "With a long-term perspective, we will connect with the history and culture of the past to create a better future."
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