A pair of Japanese architects have created an innovative compact home that is designed to well and truly embrace the ethos of efficient and space-maximizing design whilst also offering a bevy of features that are designed to enhance and support the well-being of their two feline companions.
The 'Cat Tree House,' situated in the city of Kamakura, revolves around a central staircase that adopts a spiral form and snakes its way around an atrium that is flooded with natural light. This creates a handy environment for cats to navigate given that the different micro-altitudes in the stairs offer different temperatures to enjoy.
Interestingly, 'Cat Tree House' is positioned as being more than just a convenient personal residence for the architect couple, but is also said to be a response to the increase in pet culture in Japan, with a rising number of adults and seniors co-inhabiting their homes with pets rather than children, necessitating the need to go about improving contemporary architecture to cater to the presence of pets in our lives and homes.
Cat-Centric Compact Homes
This Japanese Dwelling Embraces Feline-Friendly Design Choices
Trend Themes
1. Efficient and Space-maximizing Design - The design of the 'Cat Tree House' embraces efficient and space-maximizing principles, allowing for compact living with multiple functionalities.
2. Feline-friendly Design - The 'Cat Tree House' incorporates feline-friendly features, such as a central staircase that provides cats with different micro-altitudes for comfort and play.
3. Adapting Architecture for Pet Culture - The 'Cat Tree House' showcases the need to improve contemporary architecture to accommodate the increasing number of adults and seniors co-inhabiting their homes with pets instead of children.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture and Interior Design - Architects and interior designers can explore efficient and space-maximizing solutions, as well as feline-friendly design elements, in response to changing housing needs and the growing pet culture.
2. Pet Care and Lifestyle - The rise of pet culture creates opportunities for pet care and lifestyle industries to develop innovative products and services that cater to the unique needs and well-being of pets.
3. Home Construction and Renovation - Incorporating pet-friendly design elements in home construction and renovation projects can address the demand for living spaces that accommodate pets as valued members of the family.