Housing
Yokohama Aoba

Housing for SKY MISSION

This project creates a home that integrates nature into urban living. Designed by renowned architect Shin Takamatsu, the focus is on living harmoniously with the sky. The pentagonal plot features a central courtyard that connects all rooms, allowing residents to feel linked to the sky. A double Mobius strip design, with a staircase and hallway, creates a loop, offering flexibility for family activities. This design supports diverse scenarios, adapting to the changing needs of the residents.

Kei Tamai 2025 Enterprise Silver Press Kit № 164197

Download Press Kit № 164197

Download Press Kit № 164197 Housing for SKY MISSION by Kei Tamai to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.


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Yokohama Aoba by Kei Tamai
Yokohama Aoba by Kei Tamai

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Housing by Kei Tamai
Housing by Kei Tamai

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The 1800-pixel image is crafted for flexibility in print sizes—crisp and detailed at up to 6 inches with 300 DPI, and maintains its clarity at up to 12 inches when set to 150 DPI. Press credentials grant access to download high-res, watermark-free images. Alternatively, download a low-res version instantly. Consult the Image Credits Section for information on photo credits.

Kei Tamai Yokohama Aoba
Kei Tamai Yokohama Aoba

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

For precise, vibrant prints up to 6 inches, use this 1800-pixel image at 300 DPI. For larger visuals up to 12 inches, 150 DPI ensures the image remains clear and impactful. Press pass? Download high-res, watermark-free images. Or, get immediate access to low-res images without accreditation. Image attributions can be found in the Image Credits Section.

Kei Tamai Housing
Kei Tamai Housing

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Leverage the high resolution of this 1800-pixel image for detailed, vibrant prints. At 300 DPI, it's ideal for up to 6 inches; at 150 DPI, it scales beautifully to 12 inches. Accredited press members can download high-res images free of watermarks. Alternatively, low-res images are instantly available. Details on photo contributions are located in the Image Credits Section.

SKY MISSIONBrand Logo
SKY MISSIONBrand Logo

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

With an 1800-pixel resolution, create stunning prints up to 6 inches at 300 DPI, or expand your storytelling to 12 inches with a clear outcome at 150 DPI. Press credentials grant access to download high-res, watermark-free images. Alternatively, download a low-res version instantly. For photo credit information, refer to the Image Credits Section.

Design Newswire
Yokohama Aoba Housing Press Releases

Access press releases crafted for Yokohama Aoba in these languages: English.


Unique Properties

This project creates a home that integrates nature into urban living. Designed by renowned architect Shin Takamatsu, the focus is on living harmoniously with the sky. The pentagonal plot features a central courtyard that connects all rooms, allowing residents to feel linked to the sky. A "double Möbius strip" design, with a staircase and hallway, creates a loop, offering flexibility for family activities. This design supports diverse scenarios, adapting to the changing needs of the residents.

Tags

housing,japan,modern,architecture,Tokyo

Production Technology

Upon entering the house, two stairways immediately start, with rooms fanning out around the central courtyard. A narrow passage connects the wings at the back. Most rooms face the courtyard, allowing the sky to fill every corner. The double Möbius strip circulation and courtyard create various pathways, fostering family connections and making the space feel larger. Each room has its own path, ensuring safety during pandemics. The wings are angled at 40 degrees, enhancing the sense of space.

Design Challenge

In the suburbs of major cities, small-scale developments for mass markets dominate, leading to declining living environments. Our company resists this trend by maintaining developments at their current scale to preserve quality. For properties priced over 100 million yen, delivering value is crucial, and working with renowned architects is one approach. While spec homes make achieving ideal designs easier, strict budget constraints create constant challenges between cost and design.

Project Duration

"The collaboration between architect Shin Takamatsu and Principal Home began in 2014. We discussed the direction of the project for over a year and a half, and entered the design phase in 2015. In 2017, ""AROUND THE SKY"" was completed and received the Good Design Award. Later, in 2017, ""WITH THE SKY"" was finished, followed by the construction of ""ALONG THE SKY."" This year, the construction of two ""IN THE SKY"" buildings has also been completed."

Operation Flow

The house offers various living styles, such as centering life around the courtyard or integrating all rooms into one large space. The double Möbius strip circulation path allows for endless movement, adapting to different family activities and enriching life. Each room has its own path, so family members can live without crossing paths, especially helpful during pandemics. Natural light and air flow through the home, reducing energy dependence and making urban living more comfortable.

Research

Traditional Japanese homes, like Kyoto's machiya, were designed to bring natural elements such as light and air into daily life, even in densely built cities. These homes had a garden at their center, creating comfort, respect for nature, and a unique aesthetic. Modern homes, however, prioritize performance and have become isolated from nature, heavily relying on energy. Now is the time to revive the traditional Japanese lifestyle, reducing energy use and reconnecting with nature.

Inspiration

In the suburbs of major cities, cramped living with close neighbors is unavoidable. Modern homes prioritize energy efficiency, insulation, and privacy, resulting in inward living spaces where people often keep curtains shut to avoid outside views. Traditionally, Japanese homes embraced nature, harmonizing with the climate and reflecting a deep connection to the environment. This project aims to restore those lost values and reconnect modern living with nature.

Project Overview

Yokohama Aoba Housing has been a Silver winner in the Architecture, Building and Structure Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Silver A' Design Award celebrates top-tier designs that embody excellence and innovation. This award acknowledges creations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, reflecting the designer's deep understanding and skill. Silver A' Design Award recipients are recognized for their contribution to raising industry standards and advancing the practice of design. Their work often incorporates original innovations and elicits a strong emotional response, making a notable impact on the improvement of everyday life.

Image Credits

For design images and photos please credit Kei Tamai.

 Award Logo
Silver Recognition

Kei Tamai was recognized with the coveted Silver A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Yokohama Aoba Housing.

DesignPRWire
Kei Tamai Press Releases

Explore the world of Kei Tamai through our press releases, designed for media members to use freely and enrich your content. Immediate access is granted to 3 press releases for all journalists.


Kei Tamai's "Yokohama Aoba" Wins Silver A' Design Award for Innovative Nature-Integrated Urban Housing

Kei Tamai's latest project, "Yokohama Aoba," designed in collaboration with renowned architect Shin Takamatsu, has been awarded the Silver A' Design Award 2025 for redefining urban housing in Yokohama by reconnecting modern living with nature through a unique courtyard-centered, sky-focused architectural approach.


Newsroom
Kei Tamai Newsroom

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