Interview about Black Monolithic Wall Residential House, winner of the A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award 2024
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.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe semi-buried first floor in the Black Monolithic Wall Residential House was a deliberate architectural response to Tokyo’s stringent building regulations and limited site dimensions. By partially sinking the first floor, we maximized the interior volume while complying with height restrictions. This approach created a private, secluded living area, sheltered from neighboring buildings and street noise. The underground design also contributes to thermal stability, keeping the living space naturally cooler during summer and warmer in winter. This arrangement elevates the living experience by providing a peaceful, private environment that remains closely connected to the exterior through the tsubo-niwa, which brings natural light and ventilation into the semi-buried floor.
The monolithic black wall that defines this residence serves both an aesthetic and functional purpose. Integrating elements like the stairs, meter box, and lighting into this singular architectural feature was inspired by the idea of creating a seamless, sculptural entry sequence. I wanted the wall to act as more than just a boundary—it’s an invitation and a guide, leading residents and visitors up to the elevated entrance while unifying the space’s various functional needs into one cohesive element. This approach reinforces the home's minimalist, monolithic theme, creating a powerful visual statement that blends functionality with architectural expression.
Designing a journey from the narrow entrance to the interior spaces in the Black Monolithic Wall Residential House was an opportunity to create an immersive, sequential experience. Given the flag-shaped lot with limited front width, we envisioned the approach as a processional path, using the monolithic wall as both a boundary and a guide. Visitors are drawn in through the narrow entryway, their anticipation heightened as they move along the elongated passage that gradually opens up into the main living spaces. This spatial composition turns a challenging lot into an engaging, layered experience, giving the narrow site depth and a sense of discovery as one moves through the home.
The tsubo-niwa courtyard garden in the Black Monolithic Wall Residential House plays a crucial role in balancing privacy and natural light. Inspired by traditional Japanese design, the courtyard brings light and air into the interior without sacrificing seclusion, allowing each space to feel open while preserving intimacy. My philosophy behind this integration is rooted in the concept of “borrowed scenery,” where external elements, like sunlight and greenery, become part of the home’s internal atmosphere. This blend of privacy and connection to nature enhances the living experience, bringing a calming, organic presence to a modern architectural context.
The vertical arrangement in this house—starting with the semi-basement private areas and ascending to the open dining space on the third floor—was carefully planned to create a clear spatial hierarchy that enhances daily life. This layout allowed for a gradual transition from private to public spaces, with each floor dedicated to specific functions. The semi-buried floor serves as a quiet, secluded retreat, ideal for bedrooms and a studio, while the third-floor dining area provides a more open, social setting with abundant light and views. This vertical zoning promotes a natural flow through the home, giving each space a distinct atmosphere.
The Black Monolithic Wall Residential House, recognized with a Silver A’ Design Award, illustrates a unique approach to urban residential design on challenging sites. I believe this project could serve as a model for future urban housing, particularly in dense metropolitan areas. The use of vertical space, the integration of outdoor elements like the tsubo-niwa, and the focus on maximizing interior volume within strict regulatory constraints offer practical strategies for building in confined urban environments. This design approach opens new possibilities for achieving both privacy and spaciousness in compact urban plots, setting a precedent for innovative, adaptable housing solutions.
The jetted bathtub facing the tsubo-niwa in the Black Monolithic Wall Residential House creates a unique sensory experience, blending relaxation with a visual connection to nature. This intimate space was designed to enhance the bathing experience by offering a view of the courtyard garden, which brings natural light and a calming green backdrop into the room. This design also follows the Japanese tradition of harmonizing with nature, using water and greenery to promote relaxation and mindfulness. By carefully positioning the bathtub and integrating natural elements, we crafted a sanctuary that provides both physical and mental respite within the home.
The cantilevered stairs leading to the entrance of this residence create a visually striking element that complements the monolithic black wall. This bold design decision was influenced by both technical and aesthetic considerations. Structurally, the stairs needed to be robust yet visually light to enhance the floating effect. A reinforced steel framework allowed us to achieve the desired strength and stability while maintaining an elegant, airy appearance. Aesthetically, the cantilevered stairs offer a sense of levity against the solid, grounded presence of the black wall, drawing visitors’ attention and adding to the home’s overall sculptural quality.
Creating a dynamic living space within Tokyo’s regulatory constraints required a deep dive into underground construction methods and waterproofing. For the semi-buried first floor, we used a reinforced concrete structure combined with advanced waterproofing techniques to ensure durability and moisture resistance. This research enabled us to optimize the interior volume while meeting safety standards. The waterproofing methods used were essential not only for functionality but also for creating a comfortable, dry environment in the semi-buried areas, allowing us to incorporate natural elements like the tsubo-niwa that further enhance the living experience.
The central void running through the Black Monolithic Wall Residential House connects multiple floors and is a vital feature for facilitating daily interactions and natural light flow. This vertical connection brings light deep into the house, creating a sense of openness even in confined spaces. Socially, the void allows visual and acoustic connectivity between floors, enhancing family interactions and creating a unified living experience. By serving as a conduit for light, air, and social interaction, the void becomes the heart of the home, bridging the vertical arrangement and enriching the daily life patterns within the space.
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