Japanese culture celebrates a deep and meaningful connection to nature which is evident from their garden designs. These meticulously choreographed ensembles are miniature representations of the grand landscape surrounding them. Boulders suggest mountains, ponds or gravel represent lakes, and bonsai depict large trees. Despite the curated nature of these garden designs, they are a harmonious representation of untamed nature achieved only through the use of natural materials, clear of artificiality and ornamentation. The open plan and flexibility of large openings allows the outdoors to trickle in and establish a balanced spatial experience.

Natural and practical materials such as reed blinds (sudare), sliding doors — translucent and transparent (shoji and fusuma respectively) — made of bamboo and rice paper, latticed wood shutters (shitomi), and tatami mats made of grass and rice straw, create a neutral palette and soothing aesthetic. Not only does this palette pay homage to nature, but it is also a sustainable choice featuring reusability and recyclability. Today we are fortunate to have access to an expanded palette of natural materials comprised of various stones, woods, as well as materials like rattan and bamboo. We should make the conscious decision to avoid toxic fume-emitting materials at the very least, and embrace what nature has bestowed upon us.

Another sustainable highlight of Japanese practices is the use of passive climate control techniques such as evaporative cooling, cross ventilation through narrow and long passageways, central and rear courtyards allowing flow of air and providing natural light, use of deciduous trees and vines for filtering direct sunlight, as well as shadow providing deep eaves — they all contributed to achieving indoor comfort at a time when our abilities to cope with the elements was far more limited.