Muji House, part of Ryohin Keikaku, has announced exciting new initiatives aimed at enhancing their low-rise housing model, known as "Hi no Ie." Starting January 17, 2025, these new specifications will cater to the needs and values expressed by about 20,000 respondents from their mailing list and social media followers.
The company has recognized the growing demand for single-story homes, particularly amid shifts toward remote work and changes in living arrangements across generations. Interestingly, data reveals 91% of those surveyed expressed interest or support for living in such homes. This reflects broader societal trends, including the adaptation of housing to accommodate diverse lifestyles and family structures. Current statistics from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism indicate one out of every seven new builds is now a single-story house, showcasing the increasing popularity of this housing format.
New features are being added based on the survey feedback, including the introduction of loft spaces to provide private areas within the home and double kitchens to facilitate cooking together. "The addition of options like lofts caters to individual needs for privacy," noted the spokesperson for Muji House, emphasizing their focus on creating adaptable living environments.
The "Hi no Ie" was first launched back in September 2019, responding to the trends of multi-location living and remote work, and has since become one of their flagship products. Since the pandemic, significant shifts have occurred not only in lifestyles but also with the demographics purchasing singular family homes. Where once the primary buyers were young families, Muji has noted increasing interest from middle-aged couples and individuals, particularly those aged 50 to 60, eager for homes suited to both their current needs and future plans for retirement.
Muji House has always led with the concept of housing flexibility—designs intended for long-term sustainability and adaptability. "Our goal is to provide long-lasting and adaptable living spaces," CEO Takuo Nagahara stated, reinforcing the company's commitment to align with changing consumer values.
The recent survey titled "Imagining the Ideal Single-Story Home," provided valuable insights enabling Muji to refine their architectural responses. Out of six rounds of inquiries directed toward their mailing list and social media followers, over 22,000 responses were collected.
With demographic insights indicating strong interest from older couples—42% of respondents were aged 50 and above—the developed specifications are expected to resonate with this segment, illustrating how the demand for low-rise living reflects life stages, trends, and personal preferences.
The survey revealed compelling responses highlighting the benefits of single-story living. Indeed, responses stated, "There are no stairs," and noted the ease of accessibility as significant plus points. The aspect of living suitable for aging populations plays heavily on Muji’s developmental focus.
Expanding on the newly integrated features, the loft space offers not just storage but personal space, answering many responses about needing private rooms. Muji has listened to families who indicated desires for separate areas within shared living spaces. Similarly, the introduction of double kitchens aligns perfectly with household cooking behaviors observed during their survey; over 40% of participants indicated they regularly cook together.
Additional details about the design include options for external finishes, with black wrapping added to appeal to aesthetic preferences and catering to various tastes. Bathrooms will now feature combinations including natural, eco-friendly material units, allowing for sustainable living integrations.
Pricing details can be found on the company’s web platform through their easy estimate portal. By implementing these customer-centric initiatives, Muji House not only broadens its product range but also demonstrates attentive engagement with the market.
This initiative reinforces Muji's long-standing proposition within the home market—providing flexible yet durable living solutions. With as many as 50% of the feedback aligning with their current direction, the future of Muji House thrives on consumer communication, fostering connections to create more than just homes, but living experiences.
The added emphasis on creating homes adaptable to modern needs could mark a historic shift for the housing segment within the Japanese market. Muji House continues to embrace diverse consumer perspectives, proving their commitment to sustainable living solutions as they venture forward.