Urban Prism Haus by Nobuaki Miyashita is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award an Bronze in Architektur, Gebai an Strukturdesign Competition Category.

BronzeArchitektur· 2025

Urban Prism Haus

by Nobuaki Miyashita

Client: Aida Sekkei Co., Ltd.

A' Design Award an Bronze Winner in Architektur Category

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Verified Award Winner

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Colors

The Design

About Urban Prism Haus

Urban Prism ass en Haus mat dräi Stäck, gebaut an enger dicht bebauter urbaner Zone vun Tokyo, Japan. D'Holzkonstruktioun deckt eng Gesamtwunnfläch vu 127,82 Quadratmeter op engem Grondstéck vu 100,13 Quadratmeter of. Grenzmaueren an en Dier bilden eng Pufferzon, déi Liicht a Loft an d'Interieur bréngt. Ee Bannenhaff verlängert de Liewensraum no baussen, a verstellbar Verkleedungselementer regelen d'Privatsphär an den Dagesliicht. Eng struktureiert Faserzement-Verkleedung ëmhëllt d'Baussewänn, wärend Eichenholzbeloen, Stol a Glas d'Interieur charakteriséieren. D'skulptural Form reagéiert op déi lokal Reglementer betreffend Héicht a Réckversaz.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award an Bronze

Urban Prism Haus ass e Gewënner vum A' Design Award an Bronze, enger héich prestigiéiser Unerkennung, déi un erausragend Designe vergi gëtt, déi sech duerch Kreativitéit, Erfindungsgab a Schlauheet ausgezeechnen. Bronze-Gewënner si voll Fäegkeet a opfälleg kreativ Wierker, déi déi grouss Erfahrung, d'Fantasie an d'Ressourceréichtum vun hire Designer bestätegen. Et gëtt erwaart, datt Urban Prism Haus e héich geschätzt, bewonnert a beléifte Géigestand ass, bemierkenswäert professionell an innovativ. Dëst mam Bronze ausgezeechent Design integréiert déi beschte Praktike vun der Konscht, der Wëssenschaft, vum Design an der Technologie an zeechent sech duerch Opmierksamkeet fir Detailer aus. Urban Prism Haus erfëllt Bedierfnesser exzellent, beréiert Wënsch, bezauberet Gefiller an erweckt Neigierecht.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: Urban Prism balances privacy and openness in a dense urban setting. The design utilizes boundary walls and a gate to create a buffer zone filled with light and air, seamlessly connecting the interior and exterior. Japan’s strict height and setback regulations shaped its refined, sculptural form. A courtyard extends the living space, while adjustable screens regulate privacy and daylight. Black bamboo and upward lighting enhance the entrance, evoking a Japanese aesthetic.
Dimensions & Packaging: Site Area: 100.13 Square meters
Building Area: 57.64 Square meters
Total Floor Area: 127.82 Square meters
Structure: Wood
Number of Floors: 3 above ground
Eaves Height: 8.53 m
Ceiling Height: 2.50 m
Tags: architecture, house, urban design, natural light, spatial composition, sustainable living
Production Technology: The house employs durable materials suited to urban environments. Textured fiber cement siding accentuates light and shadow interplay, reinforcing depth. The interior harmonizes solid wood, steel, and glass, blending modernity with warmth. Oak flooring enhances the tactile experience. High-performance insulated glass and movable screens optimize daylight, ventilation, and privacy. The exterior cladding ensures longevity, requiring minimal maintenance over time.
Design Challenge: The greatest challenge was balancing privacy and openness within strict urban zoning constraints. Japan’s stringent height and setback regulations required innovative volumetric manipulation to maximize livable space. Socially, the project had to address urban density while maintaining tranquility. Externally, material selection was limited by durability and maintenance concerns. Advanced simulations optimized daylight and airflow, ensuring a harmonious spatial experience.
Research: Type of Research: Architectural design research
Research Objectives: Optimization of urban housing through spatial and environmental adaptability
Methodology: Model testing, daylight and airflow simulations
Data Collection: On-site analysis, material performance tests
Results: Established a refined approach to urban privacy, integrating zoning constraints into design solutions
Inspiration: The project transforms zoning constraints into design potential, integrating privacy, natural light, and spatial expansion. The home’s multi-layered structure fosters an interplay between openness and enclosure, adapting flexibly to its surroundings. Carefully arranged volumes and walls create a dynamic sequence of spaces. The design embraces traditional Japanese elements, reinterpreted through contemporary architectural language to enhance urban living.
Project Duration: The project was completed in 2019 in Tachikawa, Tokyo, Japan.
Operation Flow: Smooth circulation and spatial layering create a dynamic living experience. The atrium channels natural light and air throughout the house, shifting in ambiance with time. Adjustable screens and staggered walls allow residents to control privacy and exposure. The courtyard functions as an outdoor extension of the living room, enhancing spatial fluidity. Black bamboo and illuminated surfaces establish a serene entryway, linking nature with contemporary design.
Patents: N/A
Team Members: N/A
Image Credits: Image #1, #2,#3, #4, #5: Photographer Nobuaki Miyashita, Variations, 2019