Urban Prism Bahay by Nobuaki Miyashita is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award na Bronse in Disenyo ng Arkitektura, Gusali at Estruktura Competition Category.

BronseArkitektura· 2025

Urban Prism Bahay

by Nobuaki Miyashita

Client: Aida Sekkei Co., Ltd.

A' Design Award na Bronse Winner in Arkitektura Category

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The Design

About Urban Prism Bahay

Ang Urban Prism ay isang tatlong-palapag na bahay na itinayo sa isang masiksik na lugar ng lungsod sa Tokyo, Japan. Sinasaklaw ng istrukturang kahoy ang kabuuang sahig na 127.82 metro kuwadrado sa isang lote na 100.13 metro kuwadrado. Ang mga panlabas na dingding at tarangkahan ay bumubuo ng isang buffer zone na nagpapapasok ng liwanag at hangin sa loob ng bahay. Pinapalawig ng isang courtyard ang sala tungo sa labas, habang ang mga naaayos na screen ay kumokontrol sa pagkapribado at liwanag ng araw. Ang panlabas na bahagi ay binalot ng textured fiber cement siding, samantalang ang oak flooring, asero, at salamin ang humuhubog sa loob ng bahay. Ang eskultural na anyo ng disenyo ay tumutugon sa lokal na mga regulasyon ukol sa taas at setback.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award na Bronse

Ang Urban Prism Bahay ay nagwagi ng A' Design Award na Bronse, isang lubhang prestihiyosong pagkilalang iginagawad sa mga natatanging disenyong nakikilala sa pagkamalikhain, katalinuhan at talas ng isip. Ang mga nagwagi ng Bronse ay mga likhang lubhang mahusay at kapansin-pansing malikhain na nagpapatunay sa malawak na karanasan, imahinasyon at pagkamaparaan ng kanilang mga tagapagdisenyo. Inaasahang ang Urban Prism Bahay ay isang lubos na pinahahalagahan, hinahangaan at minamahal na bagay na kapansin-pansing propesyonal at makabago. Ang disenyong ito na nagwagi ng A' Design Award na Bronse ay nagsasama ng pinakamahuhusay na kasanayan sa sining, agham, disenyo at teknolohiya, at mahusay dahil sa pansin nito sa detalye. Ang Urban Prism Bahay ay kahanga-hangang tumutugon sa mga pangangailangan, humahaplos sa mga hangarin, bumibighani sa damdamin at umaakit sa pag-uusisa.

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