Eternal Íbúðarhús by Michihiro Matsuo is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award í silfri in Arkitektúr, bygginga- og mannvirkjahönnun Competition Category.

SilfurArkitektúr· 2025

Eternal Íbúðarhús

by Michihiro Matsuo

Client: Metaph Architect Associates

A' Design Award í silfri Winner in Arkitektúr Category

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Colors

The Design

About Eternal Íbúðarhús

Eternal er íbúðarhús byggt á hallandi lóð í Hyogo-héraði í Japan. Hæðarmunurinn er nýttur til að staðsetja rými bæði neðan og ofan jarðar og mynda þannig samfellt rými frá kjallara upp á efri hæðir. Í kjallaranum eru bílskúr og tómstundaherbergi, en íverurými eru fyrir ofan fyrstu hæð. Stórt op á suðurhliðinni hleypir inn dagsbirtu og fjarlægu útsýni en takmarkar um leið sjónlínur frá götunni. Burðarvirkið sameinar járnbenta steinsteypu neðan jarðar og límtré með stórum þversniðum ásamt málmtengjum ofan jarðar.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award í silfri

Eternal Íbúðarhús vann A' Design Award í silfri, gífurlega virta viðurkenningu sem veitt er hönnunarverkum í fremstu röð, stórfallegum og áhrifamiklum. Sigurvegarar í silfri eru ákaflega snjöll og afar skapandi verk sem sýna framúrskarandi sérfræðiþekkingu, hæfileika og skarpskyggni hönnuða sinna. Þess er vænst að Eternal Íbúðarhús sé dásamlegt sýningarverk sem er einstaklega fagmannlegt og djúpt nýstárlegt. Þetta hönnunarverk sem vann A' Design Award í silfri er mjög athyglisverð, dáð uppfinning sem gagnast og færir mörk listar, vísinda, hönnunar og tækni fram á við. Eternal Íbúðarhús er mjög öfunduð sköpun sem vekur langanir, færir jákvæðar tilfinningar og kveikir undrun og aðdáun.

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