#Japan #Tokyo #LIXIL #Home Renovation #DUUO

DUUO: Revolutionizing Home Renovation with AI and Expertise

The LIXIL Housing Research Institute has proudly announced the launch of its new venture, DUUO, a voluntary chain dedicated to home renovations, which will commence on January 22, 2026. This initiative comes at a time when interest in utilizing existing homes is increasing among younger generations, with homeownership rates among those in their 20s reaching unprecedented levels. Notably, one in five individuals is now interested in purchasing a used home. However, many potential renovators are deterred by their inability to visualize completed projects and unclear information regarding performance and cost-effectiveness.

On the other side, contractors often find themselves struggling with design proposals and lacking specialized personnel to meet customers' needs adequately. Recognizing these challenges, the LIXIL Housing Research Institute has created DUUO under the guiding principle of “intelligently realizing your ideal home.” This new brand aims to bridge the gap between customers and contractors through a revolutionary platform that utilizes LIXIL's consolidated resources and advanced technologies.

Key Features of the DUUO Initiative

One of the standout features of DUUO is the adoption of an “architecture rendering-specialized AI.” This state-of-the-art image generation service allows clients to visualize their renovation spaces instantly. By uploading interior photographs taken with smartphones, AI removes existing furniture and integrates a design style that aligns with the client's preferences, generating high-quality renders in a remarkably short timeframe. Notably, LIXIL products and specifications are incorporated directly into the images, facilitating a seamless transition from mere visual representation to precise product selection and specification.

Furthermore, the LIXIL Global Design Team has developed a total coordinated design package that ensures high design quality. To minimize structural burdens and costs, DUUO employs intelligent design guidelines, such as maintaining the current stair placements and floor plan configurations, catering to the needs of modern consumers focused on time and cost efficiency. Additionally, the standard offering includes a “comprehensive insulation renovation,” ensuring that renovated homes meet ZEH standards for thermal performance, thereby delivering the same comfort level as newly constructed homes.

To guarantee construction quality, DUUO also offers objective diagnostic services as options, including “Home Insulation Diagnosis,” “Home Earthquake Resistance Diagnosis,” and “Home Health Diagnosis.” To assist contractors, DUUO provides additional packages, including AI tools, diagnostic technologies, dedicated customer acquisition landing pages, and model house support, effectively lowering barriers to entry into the renovation market and robustly supporting revenue generation.

DUUO: A Partner for Quality Living

DUUO is positioned as a partner for customers seeking their “unique lifestyle” while also promoting business growth for contractors. The initiative encourages collaboration across the nation, emphasizing the shared vision of enhancing living experiences through innovative home renovation solutions.

Overview of the DUUO Renovation VC Brand

• - Name: DUUO
• - Concept: DUUO Renovation Partners is designed for individuals unable to find their ideal properties among new builds and those who wish to avoid the lengthy and costly process of custom homes.

Distinguishing Features

1. AI Technology: DUUO’s architecture rendering-specialized AI provides unmatched proposal capabilities. Clients simply need to upload photos of their current interior, and the AI generates before-and-after renders almost instantly.
2. Product Power: By leveraging LIXIL's comprehensive resources, high-performance, and beautifully designed packages ensure that renovated homes achieve optimal functionality and aesthetics.
3. Quality Assurance: DUUO offers services that mitigate fluctuations in construction quality, allowing homeowners to trust in the longevity and sustainability of their renovated spaces.

Basic Provision Package

The DUUO initiative includes design proposals and various tools geared towards single-family home renovations, such as:

• - Product and Design Support Tools: Reference model plans, design assist blueprints (two plans).
• - Sales Support: Registration for “comprehensive insulation renovation” shops and sales support through L-Pocket, a sales assistance app provided by LIXIL.
• - Promotional Tools: Dedicated landing pages and brochures for participating contractors.
• - Proposal Tools: Licensing for the architecture rendering-specialized AI DUUO Image Generation Service.

Optional Services

• - Experience-Based Model House: Support for basic design to coordination.
• - Home Diagnostics Series: Home insulation, earthquake resistance, and health diagnostics.

Joining DUUO

• - Initial Annual Fees: The first year joining fee amounts to 1,040,000 yen (excl. tax), with subsequent years costing 540,000 yen (excl. tax) annually with no additional fees.
• - Membership Requirements: Builders must have construction licenses (or be in the process of obtaining them) and demonstrated transaction records with LIXIL distribution shops among other criteria.

For more inquiries, businesses can visit the official DUUO contact pages for both membership and renovation-related questions.