a+u special issue: PASSIVETOWN

Its goal is to bring next-generation community development to the city of Kurobe by creating a housing complex whose energy needs are met to the greatest extent possible through natural energy sources. These include solar heat, the region’s abundant subterranean water, and a seasonal wind that blows in spring and summer. Six apartment blocks have been designed according to passive design principles, and three of these were completed by June 2017.

This special issue of a+u magzine examines the buildings’ passive design strategies in detail.