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Eternal 住宅 by Michihiro Matsuo

Eternal 住宅 by Michihiro Matsuo is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award 銀賞 in 建築・建物・構造物デザイン Competition Category.


銀建築· 2025

Eternal 住宅

by Michihiro Matsuo

Client: Metaph Architect Associates

A' Design Award 銀賞 Winner in 建築 Category

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The Design

About Eternal 住宅

Eternal(エターナル)は、日本の兵庫県の傾斜地に建てられた住宅である。高低差を活かして地下と地上の双方にヴォリュームを配置し、地下から上階へと連続する空間を形成している。地下にはガレージと趣味室を設け、居住空間は1階より上に配置した。南側の大きな開口部は、street(道路)からの視線を抑えつつ、自然光と遠景を室内に取り込む。構造は、地下部を鉄筋コンクリート造とし、地上部には大断面集成材と金物接合を組み合わせている。

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award 銀賞

Eternal 住宅は、見事で印象的なハイエンドのデザインに授与される、非常に権威ある評価である A' Design Award 銀賞の受賞作品です。銀賞の受賞作品は、きわめて輝かしく創造性に富んだ作品であり、デザイナーの傑出した専門知識、才能、洞察力を示しています。Eternal 住宅は、素晴らしい代表作であり、驚くほどプロフェッショナルで、深く革新的であることが期待されます。この A' Design Award 銀賞を受賞したデザインは、非常に注目すべき称賛される発明であり、芸術・科学・デザイン・技術の境界に寄与し、それを前進させます。Eternal 住宅は、多くの人に羨まれる創造物であり、欲求を呼び覚まし、前向きな感情をもたらし、驚きと感嘆を灯します。

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

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