10 ECO FIRST PARK INCORPORATES THE HOUSE OF WIND, THE HOUSE OF WOOD AND THE HOUSE OF THE FUTURE Sekisui House has developed in Koga City an Eco First Park that champions the company’s “Environmental Future Plan”. The park includes experimental eco-houses as well as demonstrating initiatives against global warming, the protection of ecological diversity and extensive resource recycling. The HOUSE OF WIND has a vertical staircase in the middle of the house that acts as a cross ventilation chimney to move air gently through the house. The opening louvres are controlled by censors to manage airflow. A glazed verandah space on the south (sunny) side helps warm the house in winter. The HOUSE OF WOOD uses timber for cladding and roof and ceiling structure to give a warm atmosphere to the house. A HEMS-linked TV gives ready access to lifestyle information and the garage is set up for an electric vehicle charging station. The HOUSE OF THE FUTURE fuses advanced technology with the style of traditional Japanese housing. Energy is generated from photovoltaic generators on the roof and rainwater storage gives a 10 day water supply. The house includes indoor vegetable growing systems using LED lights and for the less able a UNI-CLUB personal mobility device is provided and wearable sensors are placed on the bodies of occupants. The Eco First Park also includes a RESOURCE RECYCLING CENTRE where 100% of building waste is recycled. Waste is separated into 27 categories at new construction sites where IC tags are attached to ensure tracking. The waste is further separated into 80 categories. Sekisui then develop their own recycled products. There are 13 Resource Recycling Centres across Japan owned by Sekisui House. In JAPAN Sekisui House has delivered 35,000 Zero Energy Homes (ZEH).