SOLAR TODAY - May 2009

In an era of increasing awareness of climate issues, it’s become common to see new libraries, schools and other public buildings built on solar and efficiency principles. But buildings housing social services are an exception: They rarely use solar energy and other energy-efficient features. Whether due to limited finances or poor imagination, social services facilities tend to be institutional and uninspiring.

Recently, while visiting Japan, we discovered a few social services facilities using progressive design (see “Satonokaze: Solar Meets Social Design in Japan,” March/April 2008). The Aozora (Blue Skies) Children’s Home, designed by Satonokaze architect Seiji Nii, includes several imaginative design features that improve energy efficiency while adding to the comfort and utility of the building. Located in Osaka Prefecture (population 8.8 million), Aozora provides residential care services to 66 children, from toddlers through high school age, who seek refuge from troubled home environments. In a country where family and community life are all-important, Aozora attempts to blend into its neighborhood in wa way that enhances social interactions and community support.

To learn more about the Aozora Children’s Home, we interviewed Ms. Ryoko Nagano, the

Facing page, the Aozora children’s home provides a cheerful and supportive environment, right in the city of Osaka. Left, an exterior wall is decorated with tiles made by children. Above, the living units at Aozora open to a central courtyard.

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facility’s director, along with architect Seiji Nii and his wife and business manager Ruriko Nii.

The Crumes: Tell us about the design concept for Aozora.

Ms. Nagano: We wanted a facility that is comfortable and nurturing for the children, and at the same time, economical to operate and friendly to the environment. Our building consists of four separate living quarters, each designed with a home-like atmosphere that includes a living room and kitchen, bedrooms

wanted the children to learn about environmental stewardship firsthand by living in an environmentally responsible building. In the 21st century, good citizenship means taking care of the Earth for future generations to enjoy.

The Crumes: We have noticed that the Japanese are serious about energy conservation. Is this green facility representative of other new construction in Japan?

Mr. Nii: Japan is a small country with a large population. Out of necessity, we have small houses and cars and really depend on public

Aozora’s green roof features 4.6 kilowatts of photovoltaic modules and a solar water-heating system.

and a front entrance facing a central courtyard. Of course, the boys and girls live in separate quarters, and the older children have private bedrooms. The facility also has study, recreation and meeting rooms, and hotel-type accommodations are available for visiting family members and potential foster parents.

The Crumes: Why include solar and en-ergy-conservation features into a children’s home?

Ms. Nagano: Because funding is often limited for public facilities, we wanted to reduce our operating costs by decreasing energy consumption. But there is a much more important reason: Rather than building a facility resembling the institutional designs of the past, we wanted the children to live in a more uplifting setting, and solar facilities tend to be just that — bright, cheerful and inspiring. We also

transportation. Although most families can afford to buy a clothes drying machine, we often hang our clothes out to dry to take advantage of the warm sunlight. Also, eco-friendly merchandise like recycled paper products are popular in Japan. On the other hand, energy-efficient buildings are not yet so common. To my knowledge, no one has designed a facility quite like Aozora.

The Crumes: What are the solar and energy-conserving features of Aozora?

Mr. Nii: Like other solar buildings, we have good insulation, south-facing windows, a vine-covered trellis for summertime window shading, day-lighting and skylights, and energy-efficient lights and appliances. We also have a green roof, a rainwater collection system, a solar hot water heater and rooftop-mounted photovoltaic cells (The home’s PV panel is