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Nestled at the foot of Mt. Mochomu in Yakushima island, a former gazebo has been transformed into a serene tiny house, embodying the essence of a Zen retreat. The site, stretching vertically from mountain to sea, has been redesigned as a space where wind and water flow freely, allowing the surrounding forest to breathe in harmony.
Inside, a large single pane of glass frames the surrounding garden and forest, turning nature into a living landscape. Locally sourced cedar and soil is used throughout the interior—for the floors, walls, ceiling, furniture, and fittings—offering warmth and unity.
tono Inc., led by regenerative architect Tsukasa Ono — selected for Forbes NEXT100 2025 “Hope to Save the World” — pioneers a new paradigm of architecture that restores and enriches ecosystems. Its flagship project, Sumu Yakushima, activates soil microorganisms so that building a house enhances the environment. This approach has earned 24 international awards and placed tono at the forefront of regenerative design. By blending deep environmental insight with innovative design, tono Inc. shows how architecture can be a living agent of regeneration — redefining sustainability for the future.
iF design award Gold 2023,DFA 2023 grand award, iconic awards 2024 best of best,