# Pared-Back Concrete-Block Homes KKAA YTAA Designs the House of Joy, Overlooking a National Park By Kalin Ned | Published 2022-08-22 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/concreteblock-home References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2022/08/22/kkaa-ytaa-house-of-joy-national-park-japan/) & [kkaa-ytaa](https://kkaa-ytaa.com/) This pared-back concrete-block home exudes a subtle modernist aesthetic and interesting material contrasts, both within its architectural character, as well as with its lush surroundings. The residence was designed by Osaka-based architectural practice KKAA YTAA and it is designed to act as a [holiday home](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alloa-hills-weekend-home) for an elderly couple. Titled 'House of Joy,' the concrete-block home overlooks the beautiful Ise-Shima National Park in Japan. As such, the simple rectangular "windows" reveal breathtaking views of flora and fauna. While the body of the building is made out of exposed concrete blocks—an intentional decision—the pitched roof of the house is made out of wood. This creates a subtle contrast, both from an outdoor and an indoor perspective. KKAA YTAA was mindful of construction waste and furniture adaptability. Image Credit: Norihito Yamauchi ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.3/10 - Popularity: 89% | Activity: 57% | Freshness: 12% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: 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 ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Pared-back Homes:** Exploring pared-back homes for sustainable and minimalistic living. - **Material Contrasts:** Innovative materials and design principles to create unique architectural aesthetics. - **Holiday Homes:** Designing holiday homes for sustainable and nature-inspired living. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Architecture:** Innovative architectural design and material solutions for sustainable living. - **Construction:** Sustainable construction practices and waste management for a greener environment. - **Interior Design:** Adaptable furniture and space-saving solutions for minimalist living. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Concrete Block-Formed Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blockwall-house.md) - [Raw Concrete Industrial Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-in-nishizaki.md) - [Angled Concrete Forest Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/block-wall-house.md) - [Concrete Boxes-Overlapping Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-in-tsurumiku.md) - [Cave-Like Exposed Concrete Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nakano-house.md) - [Hillside Concrete Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/concrete-house-1.md) - [Minimalist Concrete Complexes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/residential-project-in-tokyo.md) - [Wooden Louvre Secluded Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-in-aoyama.md) - [Expansive Roofs Concrete Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-house-in-the-farm.md)