Live in a library

Japanese architect Kayuza Morita designed a 557-square-foot home that is fit for a librarian. Floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall shelving define this small home in Osaka prefecture, Japan, that was created for a young historian who collects books in Islamic history. Laminated pine boards interlock, forming a lattice of shelving units for bound words or nicknacks.

Morita integrated the individual shelf unit in every aspect of construction. His goal was to create the “geometrical harmony” reminiscent of Islamic architecture.

The uniqueness of this “shelf-pod” house goes beyond the fact that it’s fit for a bibliophile. The structure can also support 10 tons of books and survive earthquakes. For Morita, creating houses on a smaller scale is essential for densely populated cities in Japan where space is limited. The movement toward smaller, greener houses makes sense not just in Japan but also around the globe.