Newly Built Low-Energy Home in Hida City, Gifu

This newly constructed property in Tateyano-cho, Kamioka-cho, Hida City, is a prime example of modern, energy-efficient living. Built by Mizoguchi Construction, this home is a certified Long-Term Excellent Housing unit, meeting the highest standards for earthquake resistance (Seismic Grade 3) and energy efficiency (Energy Conservation Grade 4). The design philosophy centers around passive solar principles, featuring a large south-facing opening to capture the low-angled, warm winter sunlight.

The home is equipped with a high-performance 200mm insulation system, part of the MIZOKEN Low Fuel Consumption series. Heating for the entire house is efficiently managed by a single 10-jo capacity underfloor air conditioning unit. The warmth drawn underfloor is further distributed through the solid acacia wood flooring finished with natural oil coating, providing radiant heat from the feet up for ultimate comfort. Key features include a bright passive-spec living room, an entrance with a washed finish floor, a large storage/utility room, solid wood counters with a mirrored hanging cabinet in the kitchen, an ash wood work counter, a YKK AP Innovest D50 entrance door, and a porch ceiling finished with cedar slats.

The area of Kamioka-cho in Hida City is nestled in the northern Alps of Gifu Prefecture, a region steeped in mining history and renowned for its stunning natural scenery. An interesting local fact is that the Kamioka area is world-famous in the scientific community for the Super-Kamiokande neutrino observatory, a massive detector located 1,000 meters underground in a former mine. The closest major landmark is the historic Takayama City, often called "Little Kyoto," famous for its beautifully preserved old town, morning markets, and traditional festivals.