Architectural Ingenuity by Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP – 2020

Fostering Sustainability in Kamikatsu

Nestled in Tokushima Prefecture, Japan, the town of Kamikatsu has set an ambitious goal to evolve into a sustainable recycling community, striving for zero waste production. Achieving an impressive 80% recycling rate through meticulous sorting into 45 categories, Kamikatsu stands as a beacon in the quest for sustainable living. Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP, the architectural minds behind the Kamikatsu Zero Waste Center, have played a pivotal role in bringing this vision to life.

Architectural Prowess: A Hub for Sustainability

The Kamikatsu Zero Waste Center is more than a building; it’s a testament to Kamikatsu’s commitment to sustainability. Serving as the core facility, it integrates functions like a trash sorting/collection station, a recycling center, and an educational hub promoting the zero-waste movement. The architectural concept revolves around structures that produce minimal waste, are easily sortable, and have the potential for downsizing.

Cedar Wood Harmony: Localized Sustainability

A significant stride toward sustainability was the utilization of locally harvested cedar wood. Embracing a recycling ethos, the architects opted for logs in their natural state, avoiding wood waste associated with rotary-cut cedar. The timber-framed structure’s cross-section repetition facilitates future downsizing, aligning with the anticipation of reduced waste volume due to demographic shifts and technological advancements. The deliberate use of bolts in joints simplifies construction, maintenance, and eventual demolition.

Resourceful Revitalization: Upcycling Local Treasures

Embracing a holistic view of resources, the architects breathed new life into discarded fittings and farming tools, integrating them into the building’s exterior and fixtures. Glass bottle cullets found a purpose as terrazzo aggregate, weaving sustainability into every facet of the center. The building’s walls, adorned with stacked bureaus, serve not just as architectural elements but as vessels of personal history, connecting generations through shared family stories.

The Visualization of Resources: Redefining Waste

Kamikatsu’s resources, once deemed “waste,” find a second life through visualization and thoughtful integration into the center. The building emerges as a celebration of the town’s identity, instilling a sense of pride in residents for their sustainable way of life. Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP’s architectural prowess has not only erected a structure but has become a catalyst for a cultural shift, urging communities to cherish and make the most of their resources.