The House for Contemporary Art: A Living Museum

Designed by Ryumei Fujiki & Yukiko Sato, A' Design Award Winner

Designed by Ryumei Fujiki & Yukiko Sato, this house is a testament to the seamless integration of art and architecture. The design was inspired by the client's desire for a home that doubles as an art museum, housing their collection of artwork. The structure, composed of white boxes of varying scale, frames spaces like pictures, allowing the owner to circulate through the spaces, viewing the artwork as if in a museum gallery.

The design of the house also takes into account the harsh, snowy climate of the region. The flat roof, devoid of a parapet, remains relatively snow-free due to wind action. This innovative approach eliminates the need for dangerous and labor-intensive snow removal from the roof, a common issue in regions with heavy snowfall.

Another unique aspect of the design is its focus on natural ventilation. By designing two gardens, one on the south side that warms up easily, and one on the north side that remains cool, a temperature differential is created. This traditional design method, used in Kyoto townhouses, encourages natural airflow throughout the home.

The House for Contemporary Art is not just a residence, but a carefully planned space for the display of art. The designers held numerous planning meetings to decide where to display each piece of art. The height of the living room ceiling was even determined based on the wall size required to accommodate a painting measuring over 1.5 x 1 meter.

This home, a testament to the designers' creativity and innovation, was awarded the Golden A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2016. This prestigious award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.

In conclusion, The House for Contemporary Art, designed by Ryumei Fujiki & Yukiko Sato, is a unique blend of art, architecture, and environmental consideration. It stands as a shining example of how design can cater to specific needs while also being mindful of the environment and the context in which it exists.