# Parking Lot-Transformed Homes Maritau Arqui Completed the Octa House on a Japanese Island By Amy Duong | Published 2025-04-05 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/octa-house References: [marutau](https://www.marutau.com/)  Architecture firm Marutau Arqui has completed the Octa House, which is nestled on [Shikoku Island in Japan](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-in-kyobate). It is defined by a [multi-faceted red facade](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-house-with-an-inverted-roof) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-in-nakano) 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 Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.7/10 - Popularity: 62% | Activity: 13% | Freshness: 37% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Urban Space Reclamation:** Transforming underutilized parking lots into residential spaces represents a shift toward more sustainable and efficient urban planning. - **Octagonal Architecture:** The use of overlapping octagonal structures introduces a novel geometric approach in residential design, breaking traditional architectural norms. - **Color-integrated Design:** Incorporating locally significant colors into modern architecture serves as a way to harmonize new homes with their historical and cultural environments. ### Who This Affects Most - **Sustainable Urban Development:** This trend involves repurposing existing urban plots, such as parking lots, for residential use, reducing environmental impact and promoting space efficiency. - **Residential Architecture:** Innovative housing designs, including unique facades and shapes, are revolutionizing traditional approaches to building homes. - **Cultural Design Integration:** Architects are increasingly blending local heritage and iconic aesthetics into modern structures to preserve cultural identity within contemporary architecture. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Modern Multi-Purpose Japanese Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/muiltipurpose-japanese-building.md) - [Concrete Boxes-Overlapping Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-in-tsurumiku.md) - [Compact Corner Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modus-architect.md) - [Japanese Concept-Inspired Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oku-house.md) - [Compact Calming Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-sheltered-space.md) - [Retro Geometric Home Extensions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/octagon-house.md) - [Circus Tent-Inspired Holiday Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-circus.md) - [Intersecting Block-Formed Narrow Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-in-fujidera.md) - [Contemporary Weatherized Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/acute-house.md)