Eternal Woonhuis by Michihiro Matsuo is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award in Zilver in Architectuur, Gebouwen en Constructieontwerp Competition Category.

ZilverArchitectuur· 2025

Eternal Woonhuis

by Michihiro Matsuo

Client: Metaph Architect Associates

A' Design Award in Zilver Winner in Architectuur Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #171670

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The Design

About Eternal Woonhuis

Eternal is een woonhuis gebouwd op een hellend terrein in de prefectuur Hyogo, Japan. Het hoogteverschil wordt benut om volumes zowel onder als boven de grond te plaatsen, waardoor een doorlopende ruimte ontstaat van de kelder tot de bovenverdiepingen. De kelder herbergt een garage en een hobbyruimte, terwijl de woonruimtes zich boven de eerste verdieping bevinden. Een grote opening aan de zuidzijde brengt daglicht en vergezichten naar binnen, terwijl zichtlijnen vanaf de straat beperkt blijven. De constructie combineert gewapend beton onder de grond met gelamineerd hout met grote doorsnede en metalen verbindingen erboven.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award in Zilver

Eternal Woonhuis is winnaar van de A' Design Award in Zilver, een buitengewoon prestigieuze erkenning die wordt toegekend aan topontwerpen die prachtig en indrukwekkend zijn. Winnaars in Zilver zijn enorm briljante en uiterst creatieve werken die de uitmuntende expertise, het talent en de scherpzinnigheid van hun ontwerpers illustreren. Eternal Woonhuis wordt verwacht een prachtig paradepaardje te zijn dat opmerkelijk professioneel en diepgaand innovatief is. Dit ontwerp dat de A' Design Award in Zilver heeft gewonnen, is een hoogst opmerkelijke, bewonderde uitvinding die baat en de grenzen van kunst, wetenschap, ontwerp en technologie verlegt. Eternal Woonhuis is een zeer benijde creatie die verlangens oproept, positieve gevoelens brengt en verbazing en verwondering doet ontvlammen.

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