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"Yokohama Aoba": Award-Winning Urban Home Blending Traditional Japanese Values with Modern Innovation

"Yokohama Aoba" stands as a groundbreaking response to the challenges of urban living, where privacy, energy efficiency, and limited space often lead to isolated, inward-focused homes. Kei Tamai, together with architect Shin Takamatsu, sought to restore the traditional Japanese connection to nature by designing a residence that harmonizes with its environment. The home is situated on a pentagonal plot in Yokohama, featuring a central courtyard that serves as the heart of the house, seamlessly linking all rooms and inviting the sky into every living space.

A defining feature of the design is the innovative "double Möbius strip" circulation, created by intertwining staircases and hallways that form a continuous loop throughout the home. This layout not only fosters flexibility for diverse family activities but also enhances safety and privacy, as each room has its own unique path-an especially valuable feature during times of health concerns such as pandemics. The wings of the house are angled at 40 degrees, maximizing the sense of openness and allowing natural light and air to flow freely, reducing reliance on artificial energy sources.

The project's realization involved careful planning and collaboration, beginning in 2014 and culminating in a series of award-winning homes completed between 2017 and 2024. Drawing inspiration from traditional Kyoto machiya, which centered daily life around gardens and natural elements, "Yokohama Aoba" revives these values for the modern era. The home's adaptable design supports various living styles, whether residents choose to gather around the courtyard or enjoy the fluidity of interconnected spaces. By prioritizing quality, sustainability, and a deep respect for nature, Kei Tamai's work offers a visionary model for future urban housing developments.

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