Nagoya, Japan
International Residential Prototype • Urban Infill Housing
Prototype Home for Sunhouse Canada • Designed 1997
Developed for Sunhouse Canada, this prototype residence was created to introduce North American platform-frame construction to the Japanese housing market while respecting the traditions, culture, and spatial organization of Japanese residential design. The project responded to the narrow urban infill sites common throughout Nagoya, demonstrating how modern Western building methods could be successfully adapted to dense Japanese neighborhoods.
The three-story residence carefully blends Japanese and Western architectural principles. Traditional elements—including a tatami room, shoji-inspired spaces, genkan entry sequence, and naturally ventilated thermal tower—are integrated with open-concept living areas, modern structural framing, and efficient contemporary planning. Every square meter of the compact footprint was carefully organized to maximize functionality while preserving privacy, daylight, and natural ventilation.
Beyond the home itself, the project explored how prefabricated wood-frame construction could be manufactured in Canada, shipped overseas, and assembled efficiently in Japan. The design became a prototype for future residential development, illustrating Lex George's ability to solve complex architectural challenges across cultures while creating thoughtful, livable environments that respect local traditions.
Project Details
Project Type: Residential Prototype / Urban Infill Housing
Location: Nagoya, Japan
Program: Three-Story Prototype Residence
Client: Sunhouse Canada
Purpose: Canadian Platform-Frame Housing System for Japan
Role: Architect & Designer
Design Focus: Cross-Cultural Residential Design & Urban Infill Housing
Designed: 1997