Yokohama Aoba 住宅 by Shin Takamatsu and Kei Tamai

Yokohama Aoba 住宅 by Shin Takamatsu and Kei Tamai is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award 銀獎 in 建築、樓宇及結構設計 Competition Category.

銀建築· 2025

Yokohama Aoba 住宅

by Shin Takamatsu and Kei Tamai

Client: Sky Mission

A' Design Award 銀獎 Winner in 建築 Category

22,468
Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #164197

Visit Site View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Yokohama Aoba 住宅

橫濱青葉係一間旨在將大自然帶返都市生活嘅住宅。呢間屋建喺一塊五邊形嘅地皮上,以中央庭院為核心佈局,庭院連接所有房間,並令室內空間向天空敞開。兩條樓梯由入口開始延伸,房間圍繞庭院呈扇形展開,而後方有一條窄通道連接兩翼。動線形成連續嘅雙迴路,令每個房間都有自己嘅路線,住戶可以互不相撞咁自由行走。自然光同空氣喺屋內流通,減少能源消耗。

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award 銀獎

Yokohama Aoba 住宅是 A' Design Award 銀獎得主，這是授予頂級、華美而令人印象深刻的設計的極為崇高的認可。銀獎得主是極其卓越、極具創造力的作品，展現出其設計師傑出的專業技能、才華與敏銳。預計Yokohama Aoba 住宅將成為一件出色的典範之作，兼具非凡的專業性與深刻的創新性。這件贏得 A' Design Award 銀獎的設計是一項備受矚目、令人欽佩的發明，造福並拓展藝術、科學、設計和技術的界限。Yokohama Aoba 住宅是一件令人羨慕的創作，它喚起渴望，帶來積極的情感，並激發驚嘆與讚嘆。

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: This project creates a home that integrates nature into urban living. Designed by renowned architect Shin Takamatsu, the focus is on living harmoniously with the sky. The pentagonal plot features a central courtyard that connects all rooms, allowing residents to feel linked to the sky. A "double Möbius strip" design, with a staircase and hallway, creates a loop, offering flexibility for family activities. This design supports diverse scenarios, adapting to the changing needs of the residents.
Dimensions & Packaging: Site area：204.05㎡　Building area：90.56㎡　Total floor area：163.77㎡
Tags: housing,japan,modern,architecture,Tokyo
Production Technology: Upon entering the house, two stairways immediately start, with rooms fanning out around the central courtyard. A narrow passage connects the wings at the back. Most rooms face the courtyard, allowing the sky to fill every corner. The double Möbius strip circulation and courtyard create various pathways, fostering family connections and making the space feel larger. Each room has its own path, ensuring safety during pandemics. The wings are angled at 40 degrees, enhancing the sense of space.
Design Challenge: In the suburbs of major cities, small-scale developments for mass markets dominate, leading to declining living environments. Our company resists this trend by maintaining developments at their current scale to preserve quality. For properties priced over 100 million yen, delivering value is crucial, and working with renowned architects is one approach. While spec homes make achieving ideal designs easier, strict budget constraints create constant challenges between cost and design.
Research: Traditional Japanese homes, like Kyoto's machiya, were designed to bring natural elements such as light and air into daily life, even in densely built cities. These homes had a garden at their center, creating comfort, respect for nature, and a unique aesthetic. Modern homes, however, prioritize performance and have become isolated from nature, heavily relying on energy. Now is the time to revive the traditional Japanese lifestyle, reducing energy use and reconnecting with nature.
Inspiration: In the suburbs of major cities, cramped living with close neighbors is unavoidable. Modern homes prioritize energy efficiency, insulation, and privacy, resulting in inward living spaces where people often keep curtains shut to avoid outside views. Traditionally, Japanese homes embraced nature, harmonizing with the climate and reflecting a deep connection to the environment. This project aims to restore those lost values and reconnect modern living with nature.
Project Duration: "The collaboration between architect Shin Takamatsu and Principal Home began in 2014. We discussed the direction of the project for over a year and a half, and entered the design phase in 2015.
In 2017, ""AROUND THE SKY"" was completed and received the Good Design Award. Later, in 2017, ""WITH THE SKY"" was finished, followed by the construction of ""ALONG THE SKY."" This year, the construction of two ""IN THE SKY"" buildings has also been completed."
Operation Flow: The house offers various living styles, such as centering life around the courtyard or integrating all rooms into one large space. The double Möbius strip circulation path allows for endless movement, adapting to different family activities and enriching life. Each room has its own path, so family members can live without crossing paths, especially helpful during pandemics. Natural light and air flow through the home, reducing energy dependence and making urban living more comfortable.
Team Members: designer:Shin Takamatsu