# Compact Light-Suffused Homes The 'House in Otori' Optimizes for Natural Light By Vasiliki Marapas | Published 2014-05-21 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-in-otori References: [dezeen](http://www.dezeen.com/2014/05/21/house-in-otori-by-arbol-design/) & [arbol-design](http://arbol-design.com/en) The 'House in Otori' by Arbol Design had to be compact and space-efficient to fit in the 44-square-meter site in Oksana, Japan. The entire site is enclosed by a [metal-clad facade](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/porous-adobe), housing [two courtyards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baan-oo) and a private parking space. The facade, which is fashioned out of Silver Galvalume cladding, acts as a plain, windowless surface. Natural light is able to infiltrate the courtyards because the panels are placed slightly apart in some places. The architect, Yousaku Tsutsumi, explains, "This enables us to shut down people's looks from the outside and allow only wind to go through." Inside, the building has been arranged so that nearly every room opens out towards one of the courtyards. The two-storey structure also features floor-to-ceiling glazing and [Louvred skylights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-con-lucarna), allowing sunlight to suffuse the home. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 50% | Activity: 26% | 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 ### What's Driving This Trend - **Compact Living Spaces:** This trend highlights the demand for small, space-efficient homes that optimize natural light. - **Metal-clad Architecture:** This trend showcases the use of metal cladding in architectural design to create unique exteriors and maximize natural light infiltration. - **Floor-to-ceiling Glazing:** This trend emphasizes the incorporation of large windows and glass walls to allow ample natural light to fill interior spaces. ### Who This Affects Most - **Residential Real Estate:** This industry can explore the opportunity to develop and market compact, light-filled homes that cater to the growing demand for efficient living spaces. - **Architectural Design:** This industry can tap into the demand for innovative and aesthetically appealing metal-clad exteriors that enhance natural lighting and create visually striking structures. - **Home Décor and Furnishing:** This industry can capitalize on the trend of floor-to-ceiling glazing by offering window treatments, furniture, and accessories that complement and optimize the use of natural light in compact living spaces. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Compact Corner Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modus-architect.md) - [Natural Light-Based Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-of-voids.md) - [Environmentally Blending Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ineffable-light.md) - [Contemporary Weatherized Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/acute-house.md) - [Terraced Light Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-under-the-poplars.md) - [Natural Light-Centric Timber Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/huron-house.md) - [Compact Timber Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/akio-isshiki-architects.md) - [Climate-Generating Skylight Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-con-lucarna.md) - [Japanese Concept-Inspired Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oku-house.md)