Eternal Bolighus by Michihiro Matsuo is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award i Sølv in Arkitektur-, bygnings- og strukturdesign Competition Category.

SølvArkitektur· 2025

Eternal Bolighus

by Michihiro Matsuo

Client: Metaph Architect Associates

A' Design Award i Sølv Winner in Arkitektur Category

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Verified Award Winner
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The Design

About Eternal Bolighus

Eternal er et bolighus bygget på en skrånende tomt i Hyogo-prefekturet i Japan. Høydeforskjellen utnyttes til å plassere volumer både under og over bakken, noe som skaper et sammenhengende rom fra kjelleren til de øvre etasjene. Kjelleren rommer en garasje og et hobbyrom, mens oppholdsarealene ligger over første etasje. En stor åpning mot sør slipper inn dagslys og gir utsikt mot horisonten, samtidig som den begrenser innsyn fra gaten. Konstruksjonen kombinerer armert betong under bakken med limtre med store tverrsnitt og metallforbindelser over bakken.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award i Sølv

Eternal Bolighus er vinner av A' Design Award i Sølv, en usedvanlig prestisjefylt anerkjennelse som tildeles design i toppklassen som er nydelige og imponerende. Sølvvinnere er enormt briljante og usedvanlig kreative verk som viser designernes enestående ekspertise, talent og skarpsindighet. Eternal Bolighus forventes å være et praktfullt utstillingsverk som er bemerkelsesverdig profesjonelt og dypt nyskapende. Dette designet, som har vunnet A' Design Award i Sølv, er en svært bemerkelsesverdig, beundret oppfinnelse som gagner og flytter grensene for kunst, vitenskap, design og teknologi. Eternal Bolighus er et skaperverk mange misunner, som vekker ønsker, gir positive følelser og vekker undring og forundring.

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