Fuma: A Tranquil Urban Retreat by Masakatsu Matsuyama

Innovative concrete house redefines comfort amid urban challenges in Fukuoka

Set in a once-bustling town now marked by urban noise, nightlife, and memories of past flooding, Fuma addresses the complexities of its location with a bold architectural response. The house rises as a three-story reinforced concrete structure, strategically positioned along a busy railway and neighboring entertainment district. Despite these adversities, the design creates a peaceful and open living environment, demonstrating how thoughtful architecture can elevate quality of life even in less-than-ideal surroundings.

The home’s spatial organization is its defining feature. The main living and dining areas are located on the second floor, connected to a third-floor theater room through a dramatic double-height atrium. This vertical interplay is complemented by a sectional east-west axis running from the first-floor courtyard to the third-floor terrace, and a north-south axis linking the southern terrace to the northern stairwell. These intersecting lines foster a dynamic relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, resulting in a variety of environments that cater to both communal gatherings and private moments.

Fuma’s construction showcases advanced engineering solutions. The second floor cantilevers 5.6 meters toward the street and 3.2 meters toward the parking area, enabled by a system of high load-bearing walls and unbonded post-tensioned cables. The symbolic U-shaped wall further supports the southern cantilever, allowing the primary living space to function as a single-story home within a multi-level structure. Large glazed openings and carefully placed gaps admit natural light and external ambiance, while shielding residents from noise and vibrations.

Daily life in Fuma is shaped by its seamless integration of architecture and nature. Residents begin their mornings on the terrace, enjoying coffee among lush plantings, undisturbed by the nearby trains. The absence of curtains and the generous use of glass create an atmosphere of openness and tranquility, while children freely explore the interconnected spaces, their laughter echoing through the atrium. The home’s resort-like ambiance is further enhanced by the interplay of concrete, greenery, and expansive views.

This project exemplifies a site-specific approach, where the potential of the land and the unique needs of the family inform every design decision. Masakatsu Matsuyama’s vision for Fuma not only overcomes environmental challenges but also sets a new standard for urban residential architecture. The house’s recognition with the Platinum A' Design Award in 2025 underscores its contribution to advancing the boundaries of design, technology, and lifestyle.

Fuma stands as a compelling example of how architecture can transform adversity into opportunity, offering a blueprint for future urban dwellings that aspire to balance innovation, comfort, and harmony with nature.