Takahiro Homma kicked off Sanu, a Japanese lifestyle brand, in 2019. His time spent in a cozy seaside house in Chiba during the COVID-19 lockdown inspired a new idea: a service that provided people with second homes. After morning surf sessions with co-founder Gen Fukushima, he realized the appeal of remote work in nature. Urban families were craving more outdoor access, especially as dual-base living became popular.
This vision turned into a subscription-based service. Homma aimed to create a new type of second home, different from the luxury villas popular in Japan. “Instead of elegant mansions, we wanted accessible cabins for everyone,” he explained. The idea was to blend simplicity and functionality, making nature retreats available to all.
For the cabin designs, they enlisted architect Kotaro Anzai from ADX. With over two decades of experience, Anzai focuses on utilizing local wood and creating human-scale structures. His family background in constructing mountain huts inspired his designs. “Wood isn’t just a building material for us; it’s part of our community,” he stated.
Anzai’s creation, Cabin Bee, features a beehive-like structure that fits well into its surroundings. The design emphasizes sustainability, using local timber and incorporating large windows to connect indoors with the outdoors—a concept known as shakkei, or “borrowed scenery.”
To achieve rapid construction, Sanu implemented a modular design, allowing for efficient assembly with less reliance on skilled labor. This approach is critical in Japan, where the workforce for construction has shrunk by 12% over the past decade. As the company expanded, Cabin Bees popped up across Japan, appealing to urbanites eager for nature escapes.
In its growth, Sanu introduced new designs to adapt to various climates, leading to Cabin Moss, which is built to withstand diverse weather conditions, from harsh winters to humid summers. The materials used include regional woods, supporting local forestry while ensuring durability.
Sanu’s efforts also highlight the challenges in the architecture industry today. Yusuke Ishikawa, Sanu’s head of business development, pointed out that the industry faces issues related to labor shortages and environmental concerns. “Our goal is to contribute to sustainable architecture,” he said.
By 2028, Sanu plans to produce 300 buildings annually, combining modern technology with skilled craftsmanship. This balances mass production with the artistry of building unique homes, making each project a labor of love.
Sanu’s vision is to address pressing industry issues while promoting access to nature. With its innovative approach, Sanu is reshaping how people view second homes, making it not just about ownership but about experiencing nature together.
For more on their journey and architecture innovations, check out Sanu’s official site.
