The recipients of the Good Design Award 2011 were recently announced. Both yotsuya tenera and ReNOA Motosumiyoshi won the award for their design of an apartment house and the renovation of complex housing respectively. More information on both projects after the break.
This housing complex, by yotsuya tenera, consists of 9 one-room units measuring approximately 20m2 and 3 units measuring approximately 30m2. The L-shaped design of the building as a whole secures an open space between the entryway and street, while two tree-shaped voids inside the building allow for a compact arrangement of balconies and walkways between units. The voids provide ventilation because they are oriented towards gaps in the densely-developed residential neighborhood surrounding the building; the chimney effect produced by the tall, tree-shaped voides further enhances air circulation. Light also pours in through the top of the voids. The units have a diverse range of floor plans, including I, L, C, T, and other shapes that wrap around the voids. Standout features of the exterior include concrete poured in larch plywood formwork and hot-dip galvanized metal window frames.
This project, by ReNOA Motosumiyoshi, is a whole renovation of a 21-year-old building formerly used to house company employees. Because the existing entryway was in poor condition, we proposed replacing it with a space that would serve both as the new face of the building and as a place for residents to build a community. To bridge the elevation gap between the entrance and elevator, and the common hallway on the first floor, we added a sloped courtyard garden that also provides a green area residents can look out on from the community room. The exterior of the entryway, staircase, and western side of the building is covered in subdued wine-red steel sheeting that will only become more interesting as it ages.
