Eternal Fale Nofoia by Michihiro Matsuo is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award Ario in Mamanu Fausaga Fale Competition Category.

ArioFausaga Fale· 2025

Eternal Fale Nofoia

by Michihiro Matsuo

Client: Metaph Architect Associates

A' Design Award Ario Winner in Fausaga Fale Category

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Verified Award Winner

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Colors

The Design

About Eternal Fale Nofoia

O le Eternal o se fale nofoia na fausia i luga o se nofoaga faasolosolo malifa i le Itumalo o Hyogo, Iapani. O le eseesega o le maualuga o le eleele e faaaogaina e tuu ai vaega o le fale i lalo ma luga o le eleele, e fausia ai se avanoa faifaipea mai le fogafale i lalo o le eleele e oo atu i fogafale i luga. O le fogafale i lalo o le eleele o loo iai le fale taavale ma se potu mo mea e fiafia i ai, ae o nofoaga e nonofo ai o loo i luga aʻe o le fogafale muamua. O se avanoa tele i le itu i saute e aumaia ai le malamalama o le ao ma vaaiga mamao ae faatapulaaina ai vaaiga mai le auala. O le fausaga e tuufaatasia ai le sima faamalosia i lalo o le eleele ma laupapa faapipii lapopoa ma sooga uamea i luga.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Ario

O le A' Design Award Ario na manumalo ai Eternal Fale Nofoia, o se faamaoniga matuā mamalu e tuuina atu i mamanu sili ona lelei, matagofie ma mataʻutia. O ē manumalo i le Ario o galuega susulu tele ma fatufatuaʻi e faaalia ai le poto, le taleni ma le atamai o tagata mamanu. E faamoemoeina Eternal Fale Nofoia e avea ma galuega matagofie, o se fesuiaiga mo isi, e iloga i le tomai faapolofesa ma mea fou loloto. O lenei mamanu na manumalo i le A' Design Award Ario o se mea e iloga, ua mataʻina e aogā ma tuleia atu tapulaʻa o le faatufugaga, saienisi, mamanu ma tekonolosi. Eternal Fale Nofoia o se mea e fiafia i ai le toatele, e fafagu ai manaʻoga, aumaia ai lagona lelei ma tupu ai le ofo.

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