Black Monolithic Wall Etxebizitza by Nobuaki Miyashita

Black Monolithic Wall Etxebizitza by Nobuaki Miyashita is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2024 Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award in Arkitektura, Eraikin eta Egitura Diseinua Competition Category.

ZilarArkitektura· 2024

Black Monolithic Wall Etxebizitza

by Nobuaki Miyashita

Client: MR Studio Co., Ltd.

Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award Winner in Arkitektura Category

32,324

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #160459

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

Colors

The Design

About Black Monolithic Wall Etxebizitza

Eskulturezko bizileku beltz hau Tokioko auzo lasai batean planifikatu zen. Gunea estua da sarreran eta atzerantz luzatzen da, forma zital bat osatuz. Japoniako arkitektura arauak betetzen dituen bitartean, hala nola auzoko lurren gaineko itzal araudia eta eraikinen altuera mugak, diseinuak espazio dinamikoak sortzea du helburu, gune-forma zital honen aprobetxatuz. Sarbidera horma beltz monolitiko batekin integratuta dago arkitekturarekin, kanpoko itxura ikusgarria eginez, eta sarrerarako eskailera balkoilatuek sekuentzia aberasten dute.

The Recognition

About the Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award

Black Monolithic Wall Etxebizitza Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award irabazlea da, goi-mailako, zoragarriak eta liluragarriak diren diseinuei ematen zaien ezohiko aitorpen prestijiotsua. Zilar-mailako irabazleak lan oso distiratsuak eta sormen biziko lanak dira, beren diseinatzaileen aditutasun, talentu eta zorroztasun nabarmenak erakusten dituztenak. Black Monolithic Wall Etxebizitza erakusleiho-lan zoragarria, nabarmenki profesionala eta sakonki berritzailea izatea espero da. Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award irabazi duen diseinu hau asmakizun oso nabarmena eta miretsia da, onura ekartzen duena eta artearen, zientziaren, diseinuaren eta teknologiaren mugak zabaltzen dituena. Black Monolithic Wall Etxebizitza jende askok inbidia duen sorkuntza da, desirak pizten dituena, sentimendu positiboak ekartzen dituena eta harridura eta txunditzea pizten dituena.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: This is a custom house plan for a parent and their child. Although the site is located relatively close to central Tokyo, its neighbor is a quiet residential area. It is an extremely narrow flag lot with no more than two meters wide portion fronting the road. Our aim was to create a dynamic space which can only be formed on a site with unique characteristics like this as well as to meet the strict building regulations in Japan.
Dimensions & Packaging: Site area: 84.39 m2
Building area: 48.82 m2
Total floor area: 114.60 m2
Number of floors: Ground 3 floors
1st floor: 50.47 m2
2nd floor: 50.38 m2
3rd floor: 28.56 m2
Height: Maximum height 9.38 m
Structure: wooden
Tags: House, Residence, wooden, Japan, Tokyo
Production Technology: The residential space is consisted of three layers. In order to provide a maximum volume of interior space while meeting the building height regulation, half of the first floor height is buried below ground level. The second floor is planned to be used as guest rooms, part of the public space. The void in the center runs through the second floor to the dining area on the third floor.
Design Challenge: In the typical design, disadvantaged by a narrow and elongated approach space, we were able to create a rich experience that entices visitors deeper into the property through a three-dimensional composition centered around an architectural boundary wall, 3 meters in height, integrated with the main residential volume in a sculptural form. This approach has successfully materialized an engaging journey for visitors.
Research: Research Objective: To maximize living space while clearing the strict height restrictions (sunlight regulation) on the north side of the site, the first floor is partially buried underground. Method: The underground portion is constructed with a concrete framework and undergoes special waterproofing treatment. Results: It was possible to ensure sufficient ceiling height on each floor. The dining room has a height of 3600 mm, and the bedrooms also maintain a height of 2900 mm.
Inspiration: First, to leverage the long, flagpole-shaped layout of the site, we envisioned the approach space as a sculptural design integrated with the architecture. Along the site boundary, we inserted a single boundary wall and designed it to incorporate elements such as stairs, a meter box, a mailbox, and lighting. This boundary wall will lead visitors to the second-floor entrance, providing a rich spatial experience along the way.
Project Duration: This project was completed in September 2020. The site is situated in a quiet residential area of Tokyo, yet it features an extremely dense layout of buildings. The conditions for access to the main road are strict, with only a mere 2 meters of frontage, resulting in a very narrow and elongated shape of the plot. The rear of the property is slightly wider, forming a typical flagpole-shaped site that resulted from land division.
Operation Flow: The first floor is a semi-basement, comprising a private space that includes the master bedroom, studio, and bathroom. In the bathroom, there is a jetted bathtub facing the tsubo-niwa, a small Japanese-style courtyard garden, with sunlight gently pouring in through the window. An overhead shower head, the width of one's shoulders, provides a relaxing bathing experience. The tsubo-niwa also serves as a light well, allowing wind and light to permeate each floor, creating a comfortable living environment.
Patents: none
Image Credits: Image #1-#5: Photographer Nobuaki Miyashita, Variations, 2021