Black Monolithic Wall Domus Residentia by Nobuaki Miyashita

Black Monolithic Wall Domus Residentia by Nobuaki Miyashita is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2024 Praemium A' Design Award Argenteum in Architectura Competition Category.

ArgentumArchitectura· 2024

Black Monolithic Wall Domus Residentia

by Nobuaki Miyashita

Client: MR Studio Co., Ltd.

Praemium A' Design Award Argenteum Winner in Architectura Category

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Verified Award Winner
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The Design

About Black Monolithic Wall Domus Residentia

Haec residentia sculpturalis nigra in quieta regione habitabili Tokii planata est. Locus ad introitum angustus est et versus posteriorem partem elongatur, formam gracilem formans. Dum normis architectonicis Iaponicis obsequitur, ut regulatio umbrae in terras vicinas et limitationes altitudinis aedificii, designatio spatia dynamica creare intendit quae hanc formam gracilis situs fruuntur. Accessus murum monolithicum nigrum cum architectura integratum exhibet, aspectum externum notabilem efficiens, dum scalae proiectae ad introitum ducentes sequentiam ditant.

The Recognition

About the Praemium A' Design Award Argenteum

Black Monolithic Wall Domus Residentia victor est Praemii A' Design Award Argenteum, honoris eximie amplissimi formis summi generis, pulchris et conspicuis dati. Victores Argenti opera valde splendida et creandi ingenio praedita sunt, quae praestantem peritiam, talentum et acumen auctorum suorum ostendunt. Exspectatur Black Monolithic Wall Domus Residentia opus mirabile, exemplare, valde professionale et penitus novum fore. Haec forma Argento victa inventum notabile et admiratum est, quod ad fines artis, scientiae, formandi rationis et technologiae promovendos confert. Black Monolithic Wall Domus Residentia creatio est, quam multi invident, quae cupiditates excitat, sensus bonos affert et admirationem miraculumque movet.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: This is a custom house plan for a parent and their child. Although the site is located relatively close to central Tokyo, its neighbor is a quiet residential area. It is an extremely narrow flag lot with no more than two meters wide portion fronting the road. Our aim was to create a dynamic space which can only be formed on a site with unique characteristics like this as well as to meet the strict building regulations in Japan.
Dimensions & Packaging: Site area: 84.39 m2
Building area: 48.82 m2
Total floor area: 114.60 m2
Number of floors: Ground 3 floors
1st floor: 50.47 m2
2nd floor: 50.38 m2
3rd floor: 28.56 m2
Height: Maximum height 9.38 m
Structure: wooden
Tags: House, Residence, wooden, Japan, Tokyo
Production Technology: The residential space is consisted of three layers. In order to provide a maximum volume of interior space while meeting the building height regulation, half of the first floor height is buried below ground level. The second floor is planned to be used as guest rooms, part of the public space. The void in the center runs through the second floor to the dining area on the third floor.
Design Challenge: In the typical design, disadvantaged by a narrow and elongated approach space, we were able to create a rich experience that entices visitors deeper into the property through a three-dimensional composition centered around an architectural boundary wall, 3 meters in height, integrated with the main residential volume in a sculptural form. This approach has successfully materialized an engaging journey for visitors.
Research: Research Objective: To maximize living space while clearing the strict height restrictions (sunlight regulation) on the north side of the site, the first floor is partially buried underground. Method: The underground portion is constructed with a concrete framework and undergoes special waterproofing treatment. Results: It was possible to ensure sufficient ceiling height on each floor. The dining room has a height of 3600 mm, and the bedrooms also maintain a height of 2900 mm.
Inspiration: First, to leverage the long, flagpole-shaped layout of the site, we envisioned the approach space as a sculptural design integrated with the architecture. Along the site boundary, we inserted a single boundary wall and designed it to incorporate elements such as stairs, a meter box, a mailbox, and lighting. This boundary wall will lead visitors to the second-floor entrance, providing a rich spatial experience along the way.
Project Duration: This project was completed in September 2020. The site is situated in a quiet residential area of Tokyo, yet it features an extremely dense layout of buildings. The conditions for access to the main road are strict, with only a mere 2 meters of frontage, resulting in a very narrow and elongated shape of the plot. The rear of the property is slightly wider, forming a typical flagpole-shaped site that resulted from land division.
Operation Flow: The first floor is a semi-basement, comprising a private space that includes the master bedroom, studio, and bathroom. In the bathroom, there is a jetted bathtub facing the tsubo-niwa, a small Japanese-style courtyard garden, with sunlight gently pouring in through the window. An overhead shower head, the width of one's shoulders, provides a relaxing bathing experience. The tsubo-niwa also serves as a light well, allowing wind and light to permeate each floor, creating a comfortable living environment.
Patents: none
Image Credits: Image #1-#5: Photographer Nobuaki Miyashita, Variations, 2021