Silver Architecture, Building and Structure Design · 2025
Eternal Residential House
- A' Design Award 2025 Silver Winner in Architecture, Building and Structure Design
- Awarded April 15, 2025
- CLIENT: Metaph Architect Associates
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 19,494
- Verification code 62BFD2D166 · Verify this award
About Eternal Residential House
Eternal is a residential house built on a sloping site in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. The elevation difference is used to place volumes both below and above ground, forming a continuous space from the basement to the upper floors. The basement holds a garage and a hobby room, while the living areas are above the first floor. A large opening on the south side brings in daylight and distant views while limiting sight lines from the street. The structure combines reinforced concrete below ground with large-section laminated timber and metal joints above.
Within the tradition of contemporary residential architecture that traces its lineage through the white volumes of early modernism to present-day explorations of mass and void, Michihiro Matsuo's Eternal Residential House emerges as a meditation on the poetics of structural cantilever and material contrast. The work demonstrates sophisticated understanding of how architectural form can simultaneously acknowledge gravity through robust masonry construction while appearing to transcend it through daring projection and immaculate surface treatment. The horizontal brick base, rendered in warm cream and taupe tones, evokes traditions of craft and permanence that root the dwelling in domestic architectural heritage, while the pristine white upper volume suggests aspirational lightness and spatial liberation. Technical achievement manifests in the seamless integration of structural daring with visual refinement, the cantilever creating not merely covered parking but a processional threshold that mediates between public and private realms. The inclusion of exposed concrete at the composition's edge provides honest expression of tectonic means, acknowledging the material reality that enables the upper volume's apparent suspension. Chromatic restraint throughout allows subtle variations in texture and shadow to become primary expressive elements, inviting close observation of how natural light transforms surfaces throughout the day. The careful framing by landscape elements suggests attention to the dwelling's relationship with seasons and natural cycles, the spring foliage promising changing relationships between architecture and vegetation as time progresses. How might such deliberate material and formal choices shape daily experience of domestic space, and what aspirations for living do they embody?
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Taking advantage of the site's elevation difference, this house creates a spatial experience that continues from underground to above ground. The distinctive floating design creates the exterior, and the open view from the south and natural light bring comfort to the residents and provide a special, eternal time. The limitations of the terrain are transformed into a rich space, making this a one-of-a-kind home that is one with nature.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Site area 389.80m2, Scale 368.29m2, Reinforced concrete construction underground, 2 floors above ground Wooden construction, planned with a wooden rigid frame structure in mind for low carbonization. Wooden construction often relies on the walls for strength, making it difficult to create large openings, but by carrying out detailed structural calculations it is possible to design large spaces and large openings.
- Tags
- Villa, House, Residence, Wood, Architecture
- Production Technology
- Complex and bold spatial structures make the building unstable. In order to safely construct this open house, thorough structural analysis was carried out, and it was constructed to be strong and safe using large-section laminated timber and metal joints. In Japan, a country prone to earthquakes, where wooden structures are widely used, structural calculations are extremely important and the utmost consideration was given to them.
- Design Challenge
- As an urban residential area, it is the realization of a rich life that can be obtained through the openness of the house and ensures the privacy of the residents. It realizes the low carbon demand required for wooden structures and creates a design with a high degree of openness. Furthermore, it is a big challenge to ensure excellent design while ensuring earthquake resistance in Japan, a safe earthquake-resistant country.
- Project Duration
- The project will take place in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, with construction commencing in September 2023 and completed in October 2024.
- Operation Flow
- The basement is used as a garage and hobby room. The living space is located above the first floor. It is an open house, but a large opening is placed on the south side to avoid eye contact with passersby, and because it is on high ground, it is also possible to enjoy the view.
- Research
- This study examines design methods aimed at achieving both safety and comfort in residential architecture with large windows, and harmonizing with the local environment. Through questionnaire surveys and tours, the aim is to investigate the psychological impact of organic architectural design that gives a sense of connection with nature, and to propose ideal residential architectural design.
- Inspiration
- This architecture makes the most of the elevation difference of the site, pursuing stability and harmony. Taking advantage of the elevation difference from the road, we placed volume on both the above-ground and basement levels. This allows the building to blend into the terrain, harmonizing with its surroundings while still emanating a distinctive presence. The dynamic spatial composition created by the elevation difference creates a one-of-a-kind architectural beauty.
- Image Credits
- Michihiro Matsuo, METAPH ARCHITECT ASSOCIATES
- Patents
- Copyrights
Colors of Eternal Residential House
Get Eternal Residential House
Award-Winning Residential Architecture Services
We specialize in designing exceptional residential architecture that harmonizes with nature through innovative wooden structures. Our expertise transforms challenging sites into extraordinary homes featuring open spaces, natural light, and earthquake-resistant construction tailored for Japan's…
G0E23 Shop