Eternal Maison individuelle by Michihiro Matsuo

Eternal Maison individuelle by Michihiro Matsuo is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award d'Argent in Design d'Architecture, Bâtiment et Structure Competition Category.

ArgentArchitecture· 2025

Eternal Maison individuelle

by Michihiro Matsuo

Client: Metaph Architect Associates

A' Design Award d'Argent Winner in Architecture Category

19,736

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #171670

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

Colors

The Design

About Eternal Maison individuelle

Eternal est une maison individuelle construite sur un terrain en pente, dans la préfecture de Hyōgo, au Japon. La dénivellation est mise à profit pour disposer des volumes à la fois en contrebas et au-dessus du niveau du sol, créant ainsi un espace continu du sous-sol aux étages supérieurs. Le sous-sol abrite un garage et une salle de loisirs, tandis que les espaces de vie se déploient à partir du rez-de-chaussée. Une vaste ouverture au sud capte la lumière naturelle et les vues lointaines tout en limitant les vis-à-vis depuis la rue. La structure associe le béton armé en sous-sol à des lamellés-collés de grande section et à des assemblages métalliques en superstructure.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award d'Argent

Eternal Maison individuelle est lauréat de l'A' Design Award d'Argent, une reconnaissance énormément prestigieuse décernée à des designs haut de gamme, superbes et impressionnants. Les lauréats Argent sont des œuvres tout à fait brillantes et extrêmement créatives qui illustrent l'expertise, le talent et la perspicacité remarquables de leurs concepteurs. Eternal Maison individuelle est censé être une œuvre merveilleuse, une vitrine de savoir-faire, remarquablement professionnelle et profondément innovante. Ce design lauréat de l'A' Design Award d'Argent est une invention très notable et admirée, qui sert l'art, la science, le design et la technologie et en repousse les limites. Eternal Maison individuelle est une création très enviée qui éveille les désirs, apporte des sentiments positifs et suscite émerveillement et étonnement.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: Taking advantage of the site's elevation difference, this house creates a spatial experience that continues from underground to above ground. The distinctive floating design creates the exterior, and the open view from the south and natural light bring comfort to the residents and provide a special, eternal time. The limitations of the terrain are transformed into a rich space, making this a one-of-a-kind home that is one with nature.
Dimensions & Packaging: Site area 389.80m2, Scale 368.29m2, Reinforced concrete construction underground, 2 floors above ground Wooden construction, planned with a wooden rigid frame structure in mind for low carbonization. Wooden construction often relies on the walls for strength, making it difficult to create large openings, but by carrying out detailed structural calculations it is possible to design large spaces and large openings.
Tags: Villa, House, Residence, Wood, Architecture
Production Technology: Complex and bold spatial structures make the building unstable. In order to safely construct this open house, thorough structural analysis was carried out, and it was constructed to be strong and safe using large-section laminated timber and metal joints. In Japan, a country prone to earthquakes, where wooden structures are widely used, structural calculations are extremely important and the utmost consideration was given to them.
Design Challenge: As an urban residential area, it is the realization of a rich life that can be obtained through the openness of the house and ensures the privacy of the residents. It realizes the low carbon demand required for wooden structures and creates a design with a high degree of openness. Furthermore, it is a big challenge to ensure excellent design while ensuring earthquake resistance in Japan, a safe earthquake-resistant country.
Research: This study examines design methods aimed at achieving both safety and comfort in residential architecture with large windows, and harmonizing with the local environment. Through questionnaire surveys and tours, the aim is to investigate the psychological impact of organic architectural design that gives a sense of connection with nature, and to propose ideal residential architectural design.
Inspiration: This architecture makes the most of the elevation difference of the site, pursuing stability and harmony. Taking advantage of the elevation difference from the road, we placed volume on both the above-ground and basement levels. This allows the building to blend into the terrain, harmonizing with its surroundings while still emanating a distinctive presence. The dynamic spatial composition created by the elevation difference creates a one-of-a-kind architectural beauty.
Project Duration: The project will take place in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, with construction commencing in September 2023 and completed in October 2024.
Operation Flow: The basement is used as a garage and hobby room. The living space is located above the first floor. It is an open house, but a large opening is placed on the south side to avoid eye contact with passersby, and because it is on high ground, it is also possible to enjoy the view.
Patents: Copyrights
Image Credits: Michihiro Matsuo, METAPH ARCHITECT ASSOCIATES