Urban Prism Huis by Nobuaki Miyashita is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award in Brons in Argitektuur-, Gebou- en Struktuurontwerp Competition Category.

BronsArgitektuur· 2025

Urban Prism Huis

by Nobuaki Miyashita

Client: Aida Sekkei Co., Ltd.

A' Design Award in Brons Winner in Argitektuur Category

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The Design

About Urban Prism Huis

Urban Prism is 'n driehoogte huis wat in 'n digbeboude stedelike area van Tokio, Japan, gebou is. Die houtstruktuur beslaan 'n totale vloeroppervlakte van 127.82 vierkante meter op 'n terrein van 100.13 vierkante meter. Grensmure en 'n hek vorm 'n buffersone wat lig en lug na die binneruimte bring. 'n Binnehof brei die sitkamer na buite uit, en verstelbare skerms beheer privaatheid en daglig. Getekstureerde vesel-sementbeplating beklee die buitekant, terwyl eikehoutvloere, staal en glas die binneruimte vorm gee. Die beeldhouagtige vorm reageer op plaaslike hoogte- en terugsettingsregulasies.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award in Brons

Urban Prism Huis is 'n wenner van die A' Design Award in Brons, 'n hoogs prestigieuse erkenning wat toegeken word aan uitstaande ontwerpe wat gekenmerk word deur kreatiwiteit, vindingrykheid en skerpsinnigheid. Wenners in Brons is ruimskoots vaardige en opvallend kreatiewe artefakte wat die groot ervaring, verbeelding en vindingrykheid van hul ontwerpers bevestig. Daar word verwag dat Urban Prism Huis 'n hoog aangeskrewe, bewonderde en gekoesterde voorwerp is wat merkwaardig professioneel en innoverend is. Hierdie ontwerp wat die A' Design Award in Brons gewen het, inkorporeer die beste praktyke in kuns, wetenskap, ontwerp en tegnologie en is uitstekend vanweë sy aandag aan detail. Urban Prism Huis bevredig behoeftes pragtig, raak aan begeertes, bekoor gevoelens en spreek die nuuskierigheid aan.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: Urban Prism balances privacy and openness in a dense urban setting. The design utilizes boundary walls and a gate to create a buffer zone filled with light and air, seamlessly connecting the interior and exterior. Japan’s strict height and setback regulations shaped its refined, sculptural form. A courtyard extends the living space, while adjustable screens regulate privacy and daylight. Black bamboo and upward lighting enhance the entrance, evoking a Japanese aesthetic.
Dimensions & Packaging: Site Area: 100.13 Square meters
Building Area: 57.64 Square meters
Total Floor Area: 127.82 Square meters
Structure: Wood
Number of Floors: 3 above ground
Eaves Height: 8.53 m
Ceiling Height: 2.50 m
Tags: architecture, house, urban design, natural light, spatial composition, sustainable living
Production Technology: The house employs durable materials suited to urban environments. Textured fiber cement siding accentuates light and shadow interplay, reinforcing depth. The interior harmonizes solid wood, steel, and glass, blending modernity with warmth. Oak flooring enhances the tactile experience. High-performance insulated glass and movable screens optimize daylight, ventilation, and privacy. The exterior cladding ensures longevity, requiring minimal maintenance over time.
Design Challenge: The greatest challenge was balancing privacy and openness within strict urban zoning constraints. Japan’s stringent height and setback regulations required innovative volumetric manipulation to maximize livable space. Socially, the project had to address urban density while maintaining tranquility. Externally, material selection was limited by durability and maintenance concerns. Advanced simulations optimized daylight and airflow, ensuring a harmonious spatial experience.
Research: Type of Research: Architectural design research
Research Objectives: Optimization of urban housing through spatial and environmental adaptability
Methodology: Model testing, daylight and airflow simulations
Data Collection: On-site analysis, material performance tests
Results: Established a refined approach to urban privacy, integrating zoning constraints into design solutions
Inspiration: The project transforms zoning constraints into design potential, integrating privacy, natural light, and spatial expansion. The home’s multi-layered structure fosters an interplay between openness and enclosure, adapting flexibly to its surroundings. Carefully arranged volumes and walls create a dynamic sequence of spaces. The design embraces traditional Japanese elements, reinterpreted through contemporary architectural language to enhance urban living.
Project Duration: The project was completed in 2019 in Tachikawa, Tokyo, Japan.
Operation Flow: Smooth circulation and spatial layering create a dynamic living experience. The atrium channels natural light and air throughout the house, shifting in ambiance with time. Adjustable screens and staggered walls allow residents to control privacy and exposure. The courtyard functions as an outdoor extension of the living room, enhancing spatial fluidity. Black bamboo and illuminated surfaces establish a serene entryway, linking nature with contemporary design.
Patents: N/A
Team Members: N/A
Image Credits: Image #1, #2,#3, #4, #5: Photographer Nobuaki Miyashita, Variations, 2019