Urban Prism Casa by Nobuaki Miyashita is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award de Bronze in Design de Arquitetura, Edifícios e Estruturas Competition Category.

BronzeArquitetura· 2025

Urban Prism Casa

by Nobuaki Miyashita

Client: Aida Sekkei Co., Ltd.

A' Design Award de Bronze Winner in Arquitetura Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #171578

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The Design

About Urban Prism Casa

Urban Prism é uma casa de três andares construída em uma área urbana densa de Tóquio, Japão. A estrutura em madeira abrange uma área construída total de 127,82 metros quadrados em um terreno de 100,13 metros quadrados. Muros de divisa e um portão formam uma zona de transição que leva luz e ar para o interior. Um pátio prolonga a sala de estar para o exterior, e painéis ajustáveis controlam a privacidade e a luz natural. Revestimento de fibrocimento texturizado envolve a fachada, enquanto piso de carvalho, aço e vidro definem o interior. A forma escultórica responde às normas locais de altura e recuo.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award de Bronze

Urban Prism Casa conquistou o A' Design Award de Bronze, um reconhecimento altamente prestigiado atribuído a designs notáveis que se distinguem pela criatividade, engenho e perspicácia. Os vencedores do Bronze são artefactos amplamente habilidosos e surpreendentemente criativos que comprovam a vasta experiência, imaginação e capacidade de iniciativa dos seus designers. Espera-se que Urban Prism Casa seja um objeto muito considerado, admirado e estimado, notavelmente profissional e inovador. Este design vencedor do A' Design Award de Bronze incorpora as melhores práticas em arte, ciência, design e tecnologia e é excelente pela sua atenção ao detalhe. Urban Prism Casa satisfaz esplendidamente necessidades, toca desejos, encanta sentimentos e desperta curiosidade.

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