Black Monolithic Wall

Residential House for MR Studio Co., Ltd.

This sculptural black residence was planned in a quiet residential area of Tokyo. The site is narrow at the entrance and elongates towards the back, forming a slender shape. While complying with Japanese architectural regulations, such as shadow regulation on neighboring lands and building height restrictions, the design aims to create dynamic spaces that capitalize on this slender site shape. The approach features a monolithic black wall integrated with the architecture, making the exterior appearance striking, while the cantilevered stairs leading to the entrance enrich the sequence.

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Black Monolithic Wall by Nobuaki Miyashita

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Residential House by Nobuaki Miyashita

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Nobuaki Miyashita Black Monolithic Wall

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Nobuaki Miyashita Residential House

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Unique Properties

This is a custom house plan for a parent and their child. Although the site is located relatively close to central Tokyo, its neighbor is a quiet residential area. It is an extremely narrow flag lot with no more than two meters wide portion fronting the road. Our aim was to create a dynamic space which can only be formed on a site with unique characteristics like this as well as to meet the strict building regulations in Japan.

Tags

House, Residence, wooden, Japan, Tokyo

Production Technology

The residential space is consisted of three layers. In order to provide a maximum volume of interior space while meeting the building height regulation, half of the first floor height is buried below ground level. The second floor is planned to be used as guest rooms, part of the public space. The void in the center runs through the second floor to the dining area on the third floor.

Design Challenge

In the typical design, disadvantaged by a narrow and elongated approach space, we were able to create a rich experience that entices visitors deeper into the property through a three-dimensional composition centered around an architectural boundary wall, 3 meters in height, integrated with the main residential volume in a sculptural form. This approach has successfully materialized an engaging journey for visitors.

Project Duration

This project was completed in September 2020. The site is situated in a quiet residential area of Tokyo, yet it features an extremely dense layout of buildings. The conditions for access to the main road are strict, with only a mere 2 meters of frontage, resulting in a very narrow and elongated shape of the plot. The rear of the property is slightly wider, forming a typical flagpole-shaped site that resulted from land division.

Operation Flow

The first floor is a semi-basement, comprising a private space that includes the master bedroom, studio, and bathroom. In the bathroom, there is a jetted bathtub facing the tsubo-niwa, a small Japanese-style courtyard garden, with sunlight gently pouring in through the window. An overhead shower head, the width of one's shoulders, provides a relaxing bathing experience. The tsubo-niwa also serves as a light well, allowing wind and light to permeate each floor, creating a comfortable living environment.

Research

Research Objective: To maximize living space while clearing the strict height restrictions (sunlight regulation) on the north side of the site, the first floor is partially buried underground. Method: The underground portion is constructed with a concrete framework and undergoes special waterproofing treatment. Results: It was possible to ensure sufficient ceiling height on each floor. The dining room has a height of 3600 mm, and the bedrooms also maintain a height of 2900 mm.

Inspiration

First, to leverage the long, flagpole-shaped layout of the site, we envisioned the approach space as a sculptural design integrated with the architecture. Along the site boundary, we inserted a single boundary wall and designed it to incorporate elements such as stairs, a meter box, a mailbox, and lighting. This boundary wall will lead visitors to the second-floor entrance, providing a rich spatial experience along the way.

Image Credits

Image #1-#5: Photographer Nobuaki Miyashita, Variations, 2021

Project Overview

Black Monolithic Wall Residential House has been a Silver winner in the Architecture, Building and Structure Design award category in the year 2023 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Silver A' Design Award celebrates top-tier designs that embody excellence and innovation. This award acknowledges creations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, reflecting the designer's deep understanding and skill. Silver A' Design Award recipients are recognized for their contribution to raising industry standards and advancing the practice of design. Their work often incorporates original innovations and elicits a strong emotional response, making a notable impact on the improvement of everyday life.

Silver Recognition

Nobuaki Miyashita was recognized with the coveted Silver A' Design Award in 2024, a testament to excellence of their work Black Monolithic Wall Residential House.

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