Custom-Built Energy-Efficient Home in Otsu, Shiga
This meticulously crafted custom-built home, completed in March 2020, offers a thoughtfully designed living space in a quiet residential area of Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture. The property features a 2LDK layout with a total floor area of 107.65 square meters on a 150.17 square meter plot. The construction utilizes a 2x4 building method, which is known for its structural strength and earthquake resistance. The exterior is finished with a simple and timeless Jolly Pato (textured plaster) finish.
The home is designed with high energy efficiency in mind. The exterior walls incorporate 'Thermowool' sheep wool insulation, which provides excellent thermal performance and includes a 10-year warranty against potential condensation issues within the walls. This high level of insulation means the spacious living room can be comfortably heated with a single fan heater, contributing to reduced utility costs. A 24-hour ventilation system is also installed to maintain fresh indoor air quality at all times.
The interior layout is designed for convenient daily living. The living room features a raised tatami space that provides an area for relaxation, with storage drawers built underneath the tatami for efficient use of space. The dining area and relaxation zone are effectively separated. The kitchen is equipped with a dishwasher and a water purifier. The bathroom includes a dryer, which helps to reduce humidity and can be used for drying laundry, and has a window for adequate ventilation. The property also features a system kitchen, a floor heating system (noted as a feature pick-up), and a bathroom with a washbasin. Both the first and second floors have toilets, with the first-floor unit being a tankless model. The master bedroom is spacious, and the property includes a walk-in closet. A mudroom at the entrance is large enough to store bicycles. The home also has a wood deck and a south-facing garden.
The property is located in the Akaocho area of Otsu City. It is served by city gas, public water supply, and a main sewer system. Parking is available for up to three vehicles. The land rights are freehold (ownership type). The building is certified with a building confirmation number and is covered by a defect warranty (designated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism). Documents such as the building confirmation inspection certificate and design drawings are available. The property is situated on a flat, rectangular plot with a 6-meter wide road frontage to the east. The neighborhood is quiet and features ample spacing between houses. The property is in a Category 1 Medium-to-High-Rise Residential Zone.
