Calibrated Coexistence Collective House by Masahiro Osaka Receives the Bronze A' Design Award in Architecture, Building and Structure Design

The Work

Project

Calibrated Coexistence Collective House

Function

Collective House

Category

Architecture, Building and Structure Design

Discipline

Spatial Design

Industry

Architecture

Colors

Light Slate Gray, Dim Gray, Light Steel Blue, Dark Gray and Dark Slate Gray

Images

5

Client

Seiwa Corporation Co., Ltd.

The Recognition

Laureate

Masahiro Osaka

Country

Japan

Recognition

Bronze A' Design Award

Edition

2025 - 2026

Design ID

#177191

Credits

Team

Hisashi Katsumata, Creative Director : Masahiro Osaka, Architectural Director : Satoko Shinohara, Designer : Taisuke Kaneko and Designer : Chisano Motohashi

Image Credits

Image : Photographer : IT Image Image : Video Credits : IT Image

Design Details

Unique Properties

Conceived as two interrelated structures shaping an emerging urban axis, the composition organizes depth and order through proportion, calibrated repetition, and controlled variation rather than formal excess. Layered surfaces register changing light and climate through contrasting tactile and reflective qualities interpreted in abstract form. Peripheral residential elements are restructured into spatial regulators that balance openness and discretion. Transitional zones support evolving domestic patterns while sustaining urban continuity. Technical precision and environmental responsiveness converge to establish enduring civic presence.

Inspiration

The work originates from a critical reflection on how overlooked elements of everyday housing can be repositioned to influence urban character. Within a redevelopment district where two residential towers face each other across a newly introduced street, the situation presented an opportunity to reconsider how architecture contributes to collective identity rather than functioning as isolated volume. The surrounding territory is defined by contrasting natural conditions, open water landscapes and dense woodland terrain. Instead of literal representation, these environmental qualities informed a study of reflectivity, tactility, and depth.

Research

This study investigated how balcony partition design can transform urban residential facades. Using material experiments with cedar and reflective aluminum, 3D modeling, and site analysis, we tested variations across twin buildings. Results showed partitions enhance visual dynamics, connect interiors with surroundings, and create landmark streetscapes, demonstrating how thoughtful facade design elevates everyday rental housing, enriches community identity, and fosters human-nature interaction.

Challenge

The core challenge was turning simple balcony partitions into sculptural urban elements that visually link two buildings across the street. We balanced spatial continuity and material warmth with strict zoning, structural limits, and fabrication constraints. Inspired by the Tama River and Ikuta Forest, we engineered precise, layered facades that unify city and nature. Through legal, technical, and environmental obstacles, constraints became catalysts for a new urban landmark.

Realization and Technology

The facade employs CNC-milled cedar panels and high-gloss anodized aluminum sheets, precisely angled to optimize light reflection and privacy. Custom jigs ensured consistent 3-pattern balcony tilt. Structural steel subframes integrate double-height partitions at the ground floor, supporting greenery and reducing visual mass. Parametric modeling guided the material transitions from river-reflective aluminum to forest-inspired wood, enabling reproducible, context-responsive facades.

Operation and Interaction

Residents interact with Marie6 & Marie7 through balconies that open outward or inward, connecting indoor life with the street. Adjustable partition panels in wood and reflective aluminum shift light and views, creating dynamic facades. Key points include material choice, panel angles, and balcony orientation. These elements enhance privacy, daylight, and street engagement, producing a lively, adaptable, and harmonious urban environment.

Project Duration and Location

This project commenced in 2021 and, despite significant delays caused by a major hurricane, maintained its original design intent through close collaboration with local authorities, engineers, and the community. Certain elements were adapted to enhance disaster resilience. The development was successfully completed and delivered in 2024, exemplifying a resilient, context-sensitive, and community-integrated approach to contemporary residential architecture.

Specifications

Two reinforced concrete residential structures rise to 32.5 m and 43.3 m, reaching widths of 29.7 m. Their envelopes are organized by modular 1.2 x 1.8 m screens composed of polished metal and natural timber, set in three calibrated inclinations. This system generates layered depth, moderates light and airflow, and strengthens pedestrian scale. Expanded base zones incorporate planting to extend greenery into the streetscape, supporting environmental performance and cohesive urban presence.

Keywords

urban redevelopment, mixed-use residential, streetscape design, balcony partition innovation, landmark architecture, contextual design, sustainable materials, dynamic facade, community engagement, residential design