Urban Prism Vivienda by Nobuaki Miyashita

Urban Prism Vivienda by Nobuaki Miyashita is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award de Bronce in Diseño de Arquitectura, Edificación y Estructuras Competition Category.

BronceArquitectura· 2025

Urban Prism Vivienda

by Nobuaki Miyashita

Client: Aida Sekkei Co., Ltd.

A' Design Award de Bronce Winner in Arquitectura Category

13,648

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #171578

Visit Site View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Urban Prism Vivienda

Urban Prism es una casa de tres plantas construida en una zona urbana densa de Tokio, Japón. La estructura de madera abarca una superficie construida total de 127,82 metros cuadrados sobre un terreno de 100,13 metros cuadrados. Los muros perimetrales y un portón conforman una zona de transición que introduce luz y aire en el interior. Un patio prolonga la sala de estar hacia el exterior, y unas celosías regulables controlan la privacidad y la luz natural. El exterior se reviste con placas de fibrocemento texturizado, mientras que el interior se define con suelos de roble, acero y vidrio. La forma escultórica responde a las normativas locales de altura y retranqueo.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award de Bronce

Urban Prism Vivienda ha ganado el A' Design Award de Bronce, un reconocimiento sumamente prestigioso concedido a diseños sobresalientes que se distinguen por su creatividad, ingenio y astucia. Los ganadores de Bronce son artefactos ampliamente hábiles y sorprendentemente creativos que acreditan la vasta experiencia, imaginación e ingeniosidad de sus diseñadores. Se espera que Urban Prism Vivienda sea un objeto muy apreciado, admirado y querido, notablemente profesional e innovador. Este diseño ganador del A' Design Award de Bronce incorpora las mejores prácticas del arte, la ciencia, el diseño y la tecnología, y es excelente por su atención al detalle. Urban Prism Vivienda satisface espléndidamente las necesidades, toca los deseos, encanta los sentimientos y atrae la curiosidad.

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