Innovative Okinawan Home Wins Silver at A' Design Awards

Masashi Nakamoto's "The Three Roof" Redefines Traditional Architecture

When tradition meets innovation, the result can be both stunning and functional. This is exemplified by "The Three Roof," a residential project by Masashi Nakamoto that has recently clinched the Silver A' Design Award. Nakamoto's design draws inspiration from the traditional Okinawan house, which uses extended eaves to combat the subtropical heat. However, these eaves often compromise natural light within the home. "The Three Roof" ingeniously addresses this by dividing the roof into three sections, allowing sunlight to permeate the living spaces while maintaining a cool interior.

The design's unique properties lie in its split roof structure, which not only facilitates daylight entry from the north but also enhances air circulation. The roof's segmentation allows for varying ceiling heights, creating dynamic spatial experiences throughout the home. Nakamoto's design boasts a 4.0-meter high, pillarless space under the eaves, known as "Amahaji," a traditional element that provides a versatile area for relaxation and social interaction, while still offering protection from Okinawa's intense sunlight.

The realization of this architectural marvel involved a hybrid construction approach, combining wall-type reinforced concrete with strategically placed steel pipe posts to ensure both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. The design's earthquake resistance is bolstered by evenly distributed resistant walls and embedded column heads and legs, supporting a cantilever span of up to 5.0 meters with a robust 450 mm thick mat slab roof.

Technical specifications reveal a thoughtful consideration of materials and finishes, with the use of walnut flooring, exposed concrete, and Western red cedar to create a harmonious balance between natural textures and modern construction. The house occupies a 753.04 m2 site, with a total floor area of 285.93 m2, and is situated in a unique location bordered by three roads, offering both urban convenience and expansive southern views.

The design's interaction with its environment is a testament to Nakamoto's research into Okinawan traditional architecture and its adaptability to modern living. The expanded "Amahaji" space is more than double the size of its traditional counterpart, offering new possibilities for its use. The challenge of adhering to local regulations requiring a sloped roof was skillfully overcome by the split roof design, which also allows the structure to appear as if it's floating.

From March 2019 to December 2021, "The Three Roof" evolved from concept to reality, culminating in an architectural piece that not only respects but also revitalizes traditional Okinawan design principles. The project's success is captured in the stunning photography of Mamiyasan, which showcases the seamless integration of the home within its subtropical environment.

While "The Three Roof" has not been encumbered by intellectual property notices, its recognition at the A' Design Awards underscores its significance in the architectural world. The Silver A' Design Award celebrates Nakamoto's exceptional design, which stands as a beacon of creativity and professional excellence, and continues to inspire awe and admiration for its innovative approach to living harmoniously with nature.