# Overlapping Block Homes The Sunomata House Offers Space for Different Generations By Vasiliki Marapas | Published 2014-07-15 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/block-homes References: [dezeen](http://www.dezeen.com/2014/07/14/sunomata-house-keitaro-muto-architects-japan/) & [mut-archi](http://mut-archi.com/) Japanese studio Keitaro Muto Architects designed the 'Sunomata House,' a residence comprised of three overlapping volumes, in Ogaki, Japan. The clients were a family who required separate dwellings to better accommodate [different generational needs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-with-one-pillar). The architects opted for a single property with layered volumes to ensure that family members have their own space. The two-storey end is occupied by the younger residents, while the area for the older generation is located all on one level. That being said, there are [communal spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/studioac-2) located throughout the home as well. The south-facing courtyard garden also acts as a common space. The architects explain, "Each of the internal spaces has a different relationship to the [Japanese garden](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-in-kyobate), whether this is visual or physical." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.8/10 - Popularity: 34% | Activity: 12% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Overlapping Volumes in Architecture:** Innovative architects are exploring ways to develop homes with unique spaces that cater to various generations within a single property. - **Flexible Living Structures:** Homes that allow for customized spaces that can cater to varying generations of a family are gaining popularity. - **Family-centered Design:** Architects are increasingly creating homes that prioritize the needs of a family as a whole over individual needs. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Architecture and Design:** Architects and designers can create blueprints for customized homes that accommodate the needs of multiple generations of a family. - **Real Estate:** Flexible living spaces designed with the needs of multiple generations in mind could fetch more interest from homebuyers. - **Construction:** Flexibility in design can result in new opportunities and building methods for architects, designers, and construction professionals. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Intersecting Block-Formed Narrow Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-in-fujidera.md) - [Compact Corner Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modus-architect.md) - [Void-Cut Elevated Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kumagaya.md) - [Moat-Edge Family Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-antriya-house.md) - [Ever-Changing Japanese Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kumagaya-house.md) - [Renovated Multi-Gen Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/n7-bretscha-house.md) - [Multi-Level Japanese Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-in-hattoritenjin.md) - [Intergenerational-Catered ADUs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moongate.md) - [Courtyard Connection Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/studioac-2.md)