Terrace House near Demachiyanagi has received the Award for Residential Architecture - Houses (Alterations and Additions) at the Australian Institute of Architects 2020 International Chapter Awards.
Thank you to the 2020 International Chapter Awards Jury, the International Chapter and everyone at the Institute. We are extremely grateful to see our work recognised in this way. It is especially inspiring to be included alongside the work of so many wonderful Australian architects working internationally.
Citation from the 2020 International Chapter Awards Jury:
“The Terrace House demonstrates a thoughtful rigour that is both refined and restrained. As an addition and alteration to a small typical Japanese row house, this project demonstrates how small but intentional interventions can have a great impact. From the exterior, the restoration of the existing facade retains the original scale of the building. The application of local and traditional construction allows for a wonderful contemporary interpretation of Japanese architecture that considers how materials will age over time.
The formal interventions of the new additions are not only conceptually strong; the sequence of experience and spaces is also carefully curated. The meticulous detailing of this modest residence allows for the integrity of structure and materials to be revealed through the intentional introduction of light in key spaces. The resultant contrast between light and shadow creates dramatic spatial transitions that seem to extend beyond the boundaries of the building and past the small footprint of the site. The layering of screens and the position of the courtyard allows the house to respond to seasonal changes and control the transition between the interior and exterior. The understated nature of this beautifully crafted residence is as detailed as it is delightful.”
Special thanks to Matsuhiko Construction for their considered execution of our design and to Yohei Sasakura for so thoughtfully capturing the finished work.⠀