Maritau Arqui Completed the Octa House on a Japanese Island
Amy Duong — April 5, 2025 — Art & Design
References: marutau
Architecture firm Marutau Arqui has completed the Octa House, which is nestled on Shikoku Island in Japan. It is defined by a multi-faceted red facade and it is made up of two overlapping octagons. The design project was created by the design team for a local family with three children.
The plot is surrounded by high-rise buildings and is built on what was once a car parking lot. The founder of Marutau Arqui, Yoko Okegawa explained that bright and vibrant hues were chosen to bring "warmth, softness, and identity" to the home. "We proposed a brick color that is familiar to people in Japan and blends in well with the streetscape, yet does not blend in with its surroundings and expresses a strong sense of presence."
Image Credit: Toshiyuki Yano
The plot is surrounded by high-rise buildings and is built on what was once a car parking lot. The founder of Marutau Arqui, Yoko Okegawa explained that bright and vibrant hues were chosen to bring "warmth, softness, and identity" to the home. "We proposed a brick color that is familiar to people in Japan and blends in well with the streetscape, yet does not blend in with its surroundings and expresses a strong sense of presence."
Image Credit: Toshiyuki Yano
Trend Themes
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Urban Space Reclamation — Transforming underutilized parking lots into residential spaces represents a shift toward more sustainable and efficient urban planning.
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Octagonal Architecture — The use of overlapping octagonal structures introduces a novel geometric approach in residential design, breaking traditional architectural norms.
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Color-integrated Design — Incorporating locally significant colors into modern architecture serves as a way to harmonize new homes with their historical and cultural environments.
Industry Implications
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Sustainable Urban Development — This trend involves repurposing existing urban plots, such as parking lots, for residential use, reducing environmental impact and promoting space efficiency.
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Residential Architecture — Innovative housing designs, including unique facades and shapes, are revolutionizing traditional approaches to building homes.
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Cultural Design Integration — Architects are increasingly blending local heritage and iconic aesthetics into modern structures to preserve cultural identity within contemporary architecture.
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