| Address: | 6-16 Shimizudani, Tennoji-ku, Osaka City |
| Work Type: | new built |
| Location: | densely built up urban area, south of Osaka Castle |
| Number of Storeys: | 6-storey |
| Type of Building: | tenement / apart. house [detached] |
| Number of Units: | 18 |
| Other Uses: | car parking |
Description
The NEXT21 project was constructed as an experimental residential complex in Osaka, Japan, by Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. The building was initiated in order to test new models for reducing energy consumption and preserving the environment through waste processing (water and refuse) and greening at the same time as creating apartments that suit and can adapt to individual residents' needs and lifestyles. Whilst most of the dwellings during a first phase of occupation between April 1994 and March 1999 were proposed by Osaka Gas, others were designed by the residents themselves. The project closely follows the principle of the Open Building movement, and is often used as an example of the benefits of a support and infill approach. The building takes account of different needs and time horizons, both in terms of social occupation but also in terms of construction, with the latter being differentiated according to the particular life span of each component. Building elements are divided into two groups: long-life elements that provide the communal structure (columns, beams and floors), and short-life elements in private areas (partition walls, building services and equipment), which can be adjusted without disturbing the overall integrity of the system. This is clearly expressed in the aesthetic of the building, with a stable and relatively ordered structure framing a more diverse infill suggestive of change.
Wall components are based on a modular system and can be placed anywhere on the predetermined grid. The services form a separate constructional layer. Wiring and piping for gas, water and electricity are located in raised floors or suspended ceilings. When parts have to be exchanged, or when systems have to be renewed, panels in the ceiling or floor plates allow easy access.References
Habraken, J., 'Making Urban Fabric Fine Grained: A Research Agenda', in International conference on open building, ed. by Beisi, J., Hong Kong: University of Hong Kong, Faculy of Architecture, 2003, pp. 27-32.
Kamo, M., 'Construction System and Remodeling Experiments at Experimental Housing Next21', in Continuous Customization in Housing, Tokyo, 2000, pp. 87-94.
Kendall, S., and J. Teicher, Residential Open Building, London and New York: E & FN Spon, 2000.
Leupen, B., R. Heijne, and J. v. Zwol, eds., Time-based Architecture, Rotterdam: 010 Publishers, 2005.
Sawada, S., and J. Habraken, 'Experimental apartment building, Osaka, Japan', Domus, 1999, pp. 18-25.