Silver Architecture, Building and Structure Design · 2024
Black Monolithic Wall Residential House
- A' Design Award 2024 Silver Winner in Architecture, Building and Structure Design
- Awarded April 15, 2024
- CLIENT: MR Studio Co., Ltd.
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 32,025
- Verification code 00F32862BD · Verify this award
About Black Monolithic Wall Residential House
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.
Nobuaki Miyashita's Black Monolithic Wall Residential House represents a distinguished contribution to contemporary residential architecture that explores the profound spatial and psychological effects achievable through monumental material presence, the design demonstrates masterful command of the minimalist tradition while incorporating elements drawn from vernacular building practices, most notably in the integration of traditional bamboo screening that provides both functional solar mediation and rich chromatic warmth against the predominant achromatic architectural envelope, the compositional strategy establishes a careful choreography of solid and void where the commanding dark wall simultaneously provides visual privacy and creates a dramatic processional threshold, the glazed vertical tower element introduces transparency as counterpoint suggesting the interplay between protective enclosure and luminous openness that characterizes thoughtful residential design, material selections reveal sophisticated understanding of surface expression with the textured black finish absorbing light and creating depth while the precisely laid cobblestone ground plane provides tactile richness underfoot, the ascending exterior stair becomes sculptural element against the dark backdrop its angular geometry activating the facade with dynamic diagonal energy, bamboo plantings soften the architectural severity while maintaining the controlled palette demonstrating how biophilic elements may be incorporated within rigorous design frameworks, viewers might contemplate how this work addresses fundamental questions of dwelling including the desire for sanctuary and enclosure balanced against needs for light connection to sky and the pleasure of craft traditions finding expression within contemporary formal languages.
Press Kit
- 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.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Site area: 84.39 m2
Building area: 48.82 m2
Total floor area: 114.60 m2
Number of floors: Ground 3 floors
1st floor: 50.47 m2
2nd floor: 50.38 m2
3rd floor: 28.56 m2
Height: Maximum height 9.38 m
Structure: wooden - 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
- Patents
- none
Colors of Black Monolithic Wall Residential House
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G0E23 ShopDesign Interview about Black Monolithic Wall Residential House
I was inspired by the challenge of maximizing dynamic living space on a narrow, flagpole-shaped lot in Tokyo. My aim was to transform these constraints into a sculptural and functional design element.
My focus was on creating a seamless integration of architectural elements like stairs and lighting into the boundary wall, enhancing the functionality and aesthetic of the space while adhering to strict building regulations.
I plan to refine this concept further in my future projects, adapting it to different site conditions and exploring new materials and technologies.
It took me about eight months from the initial concept to the final plans to design this project.
This design was commissioned to meet the specific needs of a parent and their child, with an emphasis on privacy, functionality, and aesthetic integration with the site’s unique characteristics.
The design is currently being implemented for the client's residential use. There are no plans to sell or lease the production rights as it is a custom solution.
I chose to develop a monolithic boundary wall to maximize space and functionality in a constrained environment, providing an innovative solution to the site’s narrow access.
My approach was influenced by modern minimalist architecture and traditional Japanese elements, such as the tsubo-niwa, allowing for a blend of privacy, natural light, and spatial continuity.
The target customers for this design are individuals or small families seeking a unique, custom-designed home in densely populated urban areas.
Unlike conventional residential designs, my project uses a boundary wall to cleverly incorporate multiple functional elements within a single architectural feature, setting it apart from other narrow lot solutions.
“Black Monolithic Wall” reflects the design’s dominant feature—a single, powerful element that defines the property and structures the entire living space, while its color emphasizes solidity and depth.
I utilized 3D modeling software and physical models to visualize and refine the spatial arrangement and integration of architectural elements.
The integration of the boundary wall with essential features like stairs and mailboxes, transforming a typically mundane element into the centerpiece of the design, is the most unique aspect.
I collaborated with landscape architects for the tsubo-niwa and structural engineers to ensure that the complex forms and integrated elements were feasible and compliant with local codes.
Technology was crucial in accurately modeling the space and predicting structural challenges, especially in maximizing the use of the underground area and integrating lighting and other utilities.
My research into local building codes and studies on light and wind circulation patterns influenced the design, ensuring it was both compliant and comfortable.
The main challenges were the site’s narrow access and strict height regulations, which required innovative design solutions to utilize every possible space efficiently.
I decided to submit this design to the competition to showcase how architectural creativity can overcome physical constraints and regulatory challenges, potentially setting a precedent for similar urban projects.
Through this project, I learned more about the possibilities of integrating architecture with landscape elements and the importance of detailed modeling in constrained environments.
This project is a testament to the potential of architecture to transform limited spaces into expansive, multi-functional homes. I hope it inspires both clients and architects to think creatively about the use of space in urban settings.
Grand Interview about Black Monolithic Wall Residential House
The 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.