Completion of 'Heber Village Setagaya Kinuta ～Music～', a Rental Housing for Active Seniors

Key Features of 'Heber Village Setagaya Kinuta ～Music～'

1. Creating living spaces suitable for independent, active seniors. 2. Space design that fosters communication through music. 3. A support system that respects independent living while addressing senior anxieties.

Background While Tokyo expects a significant increase in single-person elderly households, about 80% of seniors are currently independent without needing long-term care certification. Existing homes have issues such as steps, insulation, and monitoring systems, leading to a situation where many wish to move while healthy, but few actually do. Furthermore, the progression of single-person living poses health risks from isolation and lack of interaction, demanding housing that offers not just barrier-free features, but mechanisms to create human connections.

In response, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government established a system to certify and support private rental housing with monitoring functions and community-building efforts. 'Heber Village Setagaya Kinuta ～Music～' meets these criteria and was selected as a leading project for its emphasis on music as a theme to foster new communities between residents and the local area.

Overview of 'Heber Village Setagaya Kinuta ～Music～'

1. Realizing living spaces suitable for independent, active seniors. Each unit is 2LDK (approx. 57–70 sqm), ensuring sufficient space for active living. Features consider changing physical functions, such as kitchen height, traffic flow, and entrance storage with benches.

2. Space design that fosters communication through music. Each unit includes a soundproof space for music. A shared soundproof room with a permanent grand piano is provided, designed for high-quality acoustics and insulation. It serves as a venue for sessions, mini-recitals, and local events.

3. Support system respecting independence while addressing anxieties. Support includes monthly visits by social workers, 24/7 emergency notification systems, rhythm sensors for monitoring, and introductions to housekeeping and visiting medical services.

Building Overview - Primary use: Rental housing for seniors - Location: 3-10-13 Kinuta, Setagaya-ku - Site area: 257.78 sqm - Total floor area: 512.12 sqm - Structure: Steel, 4 stories above ground - Number of units: 6 - Shared facilities: Soundproof room (community space)

Future Outlook We will utilize the knowledge gained from this project to promote this new option of 'private rental housing for active elderly' that differs from nursing care facilities.