# Two-Storey Boxy Houses Suzuki Architects' Latest Design is a Home-Workspace Hybrid By Kalin Ned | Published 2018-05-17 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/boxy-house References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2018/05/16/gre-square-house-suzuki-architects-home-shop-japan-shizuoka/) & [suzuki-architects](http://suzuki-architects.com/works/gre・正方形の家/) This boxy house in Shizuoka, Japan was designed by [Suzuki Architects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/suzuki-go) and envisioned to fulfill a dual purpose. Ultra-compact and [minimalist in aesthetic](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/residential-project-in-tokyo), the structure's ground floor is occupied by an independent [fashion retail business](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/muji-muji-55), while the upper floor is a tiny open-space home for the client's mother. The architectural practice challenged itself with the dimensions of this boxy house and successfully incorporated a bathroom, a bedroom and a nice terrace for the upper floor, as well as a kitchen, a toilet and a storage area on the lower. Dubbed 'Gré Square House,' the cubic structure's open-concept arrangement and the majorly punctured corrugated metal facade allows for natural light to fill the boxy house, creating a very homey and inviting ambiance. Photo Credits: [Kenta Hasegawa](http://o-f-p.jp/) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.4/10 - Popularity: 96% | Activity: 88% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Boxy Houses:** Increased demand for minimalist and dual-purpose boxy houses creates an opportunity for architects and developers to design innovative and compact spaces. - **Home-workspace Hybrid:** The rise of remote and flexible work has created a growing market for home-workspace hybrid designs that provide functional and inspiring spaces for both living and working. - **Open-concept Arrangement:** The popularity of open-concept living spaces presents an opportunity for architects to experiment with flexible and multifunctional designs. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architecture:** The need for innovative and functional dual-purpose designs presents an opportunity for architects to create new solutions and expand their portfolios. - **Real Estate Development:** The increasing demand for boxy houses and home-workspace hybrids presents an opportunity for real estate developers to tap into new markets and meet changing consumer preferences. - **Retail:** Designing retail spaces that incorporate multi-functional living areas presents an opportunity for retailers to create unique and engaging shopping experiences that meet the needs of today's consumers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Intersecting Block-Formed Narrow Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-in-fujidera.md) - [Minimal Japanese Home Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-in-kyobate.md) - [Box-Like Innovative Apartment Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/innovative-apartment-design.md) - [Compact Corner Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modus-architect.md) - [Void-Cut Elevated Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kumagaya.md) - [Japan-Inspired Tiny Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mizuho.md) - [Compact Timber Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/akio-isshiki-architects.md) - [Adjustable Japanese Studio Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/building-frame-of-the-house.md) - [Modern Multi-Purpose Japanese Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/muiltipurpose-japanese-building.md)