Fuma Taigh by Masakatsu Matsuyama is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Duais Platanaim A' Design Award in Dealbhadh Ailtireachd, Togalaichean agus Structaran Competition Category.

PlatanamAiltireachd· 2025

Fuma Taigh

by Masakatsu Matsuyama

Client: Matsuyama Architect and Associates

Duais Platanaim A' Design Award Winner in Ailtireachd Category

931,796
Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #164807

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

Colors

The Design

About Fuma Taigh

'S e taigh trì-làr ann an Siorrachd Fukuoka, Iapan, a th' ann am Fuma. Tha an làrach mu choinneamh rathad-iarainn trang chun an ear, agus mar sin tha balla an ear a' chiad làir air a shuidheachadh air ais, fhad 's a tha structar an dàrna làir agus anainn an treas làir a' bacadh fuaim, crith agus seallaidhean bhon t-sràid. Tha beàrnan eadar na h-eileamaidean seo a' leigeil le solas nàdarra agus faireachdainn na h-àrainneachd a-muigh an taobh a-staigh a ruighinn. Tha am prìomh àite-còmhnaidh air an dàrna làr agus tha e ag obair mar dhachaigh aon-làir. Tha ballachan giùlain-cuideim de chruadhtan ath-neartaichte agus càbaill neo-cheangailte a' cumail taic ri starrain-crochte de 5.6 meatairean chun an ear agus 3.2 meatairean chun a deas. Tha fosglaidhean mòra glainne mu choinneamh an lios.

The Recognition

About the Duais Platanaim A' Design Award

Tha Fuma Taigh air Duais Platanaim A' Design Award a bhuannachadh, aithneachadh ro-urramach a bheirear do dhealbhaidhean a tha dha-rìribh sònraichte, eireachdail agus iongantach. Tha buannaichean Platanaim nam mìorbhailean cruthachaidh, nam fianais air crìochan cruthachalachd inntleachdail, agus a nochdas proifeiseantachd agus sàr-ghèinidh gun choimeas an luchd-dealbhaidh. Thathar an dùil gum bi na dealbhaidhean seo nan obraichean as ainmeile a mhìnicheas bòidhchead ùine, a chuidicheas le sunnd a' chomainn agus a bhrosnaicheas crìochan ealain, saidheans, dealbhaidh agus teicneolais. Tha Fuma Taigh a' nochdadh ìre sàr-mhathais os-chaithreach agus gu cinnteach a' dèanamh an t-saoghail nas fheàrr leis na feartan buannachdail is luachmhor aige. Tha Fuma Taigh na obair a bhuannaich Duais Platanaim A' Design Award a dhùisgeas miannan, a bhrosnaicheas, a thaitneas agus a thogas gàirdeachas mòr.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: The living dining room on the second floor connects to the third-floor theater room via a double-height space. An east-west axis from the first-floor courtyard to the third-floor terrace is connected sectionally, while a north-south axis from the second-floor terrace at the south to the stairwell at the north is integrated into the plan. This interaction between internal and external spaces creates diverse indoor environments. The client's determination to live this area even under these unlivable environments form this architecture which allow to live such open, unusual and tranquil living.
Dimensions & Packaging: Three-story reinforced concrete structure
Site area: 510.86 square meters
Total floor area: 464.76 square meters
First floor area: 130.70 square meters
Second floor area: 238.40 square meters
Third floor area: 95.66 square meters
Tags: concrete, cantilever, atrium, planting, massive, open, modern, luxury, like a resort hotel, without curtains
Production Technology: The east facade’s first-floor wall was set back from the railway, with complex-profile second floor structures and third-floor eaves blocking noise, vibration, and street views. Gaps between these structures allow natural light and external ambiance into the internal space. Large glazed openings face the courtyard, extending the interior space towards the semi-open external area.
Design Challenge: We designed a three-story building with the primary living space on the second floor, where most essential activities could be completed as if it were a single-story dwelling. To support the large second-floor volume, we introduced series of two and three-story high load-bearing walls and applied two unbonded PC cables along the east-west axis to enable a cantilevered structure extending 5.6m east and 3.2m south. The symbolic U-shaped wall also assists the southern cantilever.
Research: We prioritize interpreting the potential of the land, guiding unique architectural forms and family lives that can only exist in that specific location. Each project involves different land, clients, and conditions, resulting in diverse solutions. In this case, while addressing various harsh environmental factors, we aimed to create an open and enriching living space, leading to a one-of-a-kind architecture that would not be possible in other locations or under different circumstances.
Inspiration: The site is in a once-flourishing town during Japan's modernization era, now seemingly deserted. To the east, a busy railway with about 250 trains daily causes constant noise. North of the site, the drinking quarter makes it less than ideal for residential use. Additionally, memories of severe flood damage linger in the minds of long-time residents. Our challenge was to create a rigid structure to address these negative factors and design a comfortable living environment.
Project Duration: Design duration: June 2021 – August 2022 (15 months)
Construction duration: September 2022 – January 2024 (17 months)
Location: Fukuoka Prefecture – Japan
Operation Flow: The homeowner begins each morning on the terrace table with coffee instead of at the dining table. On sunny days, they open the parasol and enjoy the gentle breeze among the plants, signaling the start of the day. Despite nearby trains, they feel no noise or vibrations, enjoying a wonderfully comfortable life. After sunset, they continue their open lifestyle, never closing the curtains. The children fully utilize the layout, running freely indoors and sharing joyful smiles across the atrium.
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Toshihisa Ishii, FU-MA, 2024
Image #2: Photographer Toshihisa Ishii, FU-MA, 2024
Image #3: Photographer Toshihisa Ishii, FU-MA, 2024
Image #4: Photographer Toshihisa Ishii, FU-MA, 2024
Image #5: Photographer Toshihisa Ishii, FU-MA, 2024