On another one of my walks around Narita I was admiring the way so many Japanese houses are small yet elegant. The lack of land available to build upon is reflected in the design style.

In the west we build these massive houses that are so out of balance with the size of the land and the houses that surround it. As baby boomers become empty nesters it makes sense to downsize and use the extra money for travel or other lifestyle choices. When I look at Japanese architecture I think we could learn much, whether house or apartment - they are wired up and full of the technology to make life easier and more pleasant.

However - I think the house below may be taking it too far for the average baby boomer. This house measuring 4 by 5 metres, is wired up, has gas and water ….. a fully functional house. It even has its own vegetable patch!

Is this the worlds smallest house??