Fuma
House for MATSUYAMA ARCHITECT AND ASSOCIATES
This house for a family of four stands along a railway line in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. To adapt to the site's exposure to train noise, vibrations, and flood risk, reinforced concrete was used. The second floor cantilevers 5.6m toward the street and 3.2m toward the parking area, allowing for single-story-style living on the second level within a three-story structure. Plants are placed throughout the architecture, such as in gardens and terraces, creating spaces where greenery and the built form intertwine, blending the home seamlessly with nature.
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Fuma by Masakatsu Matsuyama
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House by Masakatsu Matsuyama
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Masakatsu Matsuyama Fuma
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Masakatsu Matsuyama House
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Unique Properties
The living dining room on the second floor connects to the third-floor theater room via a double-height space. An east-west axis from the first-floor courtyard to the third-floor terrace is connected sectionally, while a north-south axis from the second-floor terrace at the south to the stairwell at the north is integrated into the plan. This interaction between internal and external spaces creates diverse indoor environments. The client's determination to live this area even under these unlivable environments form this architecture which allow to live such open, unusual and tranquil living.
Tags
concrete, cantilever, atrium, planting, massive, open, modern, luxury, like a resort hotel, without curtains
Production Technology
The east facade’s first-floor wall was set back from the railway, with complex-profile second floor structures and third-floor eaves blocking noise, vibration, and street views. Gaps between these structures allow natural light and external ambiance into the internal space. Large glazed openings face the courtyard, extending the interior space towards the semi-open external area.
Design Challenge
We designed a three-story building with the primary living space on the second floor, where most essential activities could be completed as if it were a single-story dwelling. To support the large second-floor volume, we introduced series of two and three-story high load-bearing walls and applied two unbonded PC cables along the east-west axis to enable a cantilevered structure extending 5.6m east and 3.2m south. The symbolic U-shaped wall also assists the southern cantilever.
Project Duration
Design duration: June 2021 – August 2022 (15 months) Construction duration: September 2022 – January 2024 (17 months) Location: Fukuoka Prefecture – Japan
Operation Flow
The homeowner begins each morning on the terrace table with coffee instead of at the dining table. On sunny days, they open the parasol and enjoy the gentle breeze among the plants, signaling the start of the day. Despite nearby trains, they feel no noise or vibrations, enjoying a wonderfully comfortable life. After sunset, they continue their open lifestyle, never closing the curtains. The children fully utilize the layout, running freely indoors and sharing joyful smiles across the atrium.
Research
We prioritize interpreting the potential of the land, guiding unique architectural forms and family lives that can only exist in that specific location. Each project involves different land, clients, and conditions, resulting in diverse solutions. In this case, while addressing various harsh environmental factors, we aimed to create an open and enriching living space, leading to a one-of-a-kind architecture that would not be possible in other locations or under different circumstances.
Inspiration
The site is in a once-flourishing town during Japan's modernization era, now seemingly deserted. To the east, a busy railway with about 250 trains daily causes constant noise. North of the site, the drinking quarter makes it less than ideal for residential use. Additionally, memories of severe flood damage linger in the minds of long-time residents. Our challenge was to create a rigid structure to address these negative factors and design a comfortable living environment.
Image Credits
Image #1: Photographer Toshihisa Ishii, FU-MA, 2024 Image #2: Photographer Toshihisa Ishii, FU-MA, 2024 Image #3: Photographer Toshihisa Ishii, FU-MA, 2024 Image #4: Photographer Toshihisa Ishii, FU-MA, 2024 Image #5: Photographer Toshihisa Ishii, FU-MA, 2024
Project Overview
Fuma House has been a Platinum winner in the Architecture, Building and Structure Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Platinum A' Design Award is recognized for honoring designs that stand at the forefront of creativity and innovation. It is the highest accolade bestowed by the A' Design Awards, acknowledging works that blend remarkable innovation with impactful societal contributions. These designs not only showcase exceptional artistic and technical proficiency but also highlight their creators' commitment to advancing the boundaries of art, science, design, and technology. Recipients of this award are celebrated for their role in shaping the aesthetics and trends of our time, contributing significantly to the enhancement of quality of life and promoting sustainable development.
Platinum Recognition
Masakatsu Matsuyama was recognized with the coveted Platinum A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Fuma House.
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