Quarter: A Unique Residential House Design by Michihiro Matsuo

Award-winning design that redefines the concept of privacy and community

Quarter stands out from other residential houses with its distinctive arrangement of four irregularly sized boxes. This design not only creates a visually captivating structure but also establishes a strong connection with the town. Unlike typical community housing, Quarter goes beyond the conventional window connections and incorporates externally opened passages inside the building. This unique feature allows residents to engage with the outside world while maintaining a sense of privacy. The strategic positioning of windows further enhances the relationship between the inhabitants and society, blurring the boundaries between the inside and outside.

Advance Architects Co., Ltd., the construction company behind Quarter, successfully realized Michihiro Matsuo's vision. The house is constructed using timber and spans two floors. Its design specifications include a site area of 193.34 square meters and a size of 152.72 square meters. The use of timber not only adds warmth and character to the house but also aligns with the design's focus on sustainability.

One of the key challenges in designing Quarter was striking a balance between privacy and openness. While the concept of an open space that fosters community interaction is ideal, individual housing requires a certain level of privacy and safety. Michihiro Matsuo tackled this challenge by creating a spatial structure that disperses the gaze direction, obscuring the boundary between the inside and outside. The result is a living space that encourages social connection while respecting the need for personal privacy.

Quarter, completed in May 2014 in Osaka, Japan, has garnered significant attention and praise. Approximately 100 people visited the house within a month of its completion, appreciating its design and the rich connections it offers. The design's success lies in its ability to create a seamless integration between the inside and outside spaces, allowing residents to access various places from within the building. This design approach reflects a conscious effort to connect with the surrounding community and contribute to the development of the new town.

The design of Quarter not only challenges traditional notions of privacy and community but also showcases the creativity and technical prowess of Michihiro Matsuo and his team at METAPH ARCHITECT ASSOCIATES. The house's unique arrangement of boxes, the strategic placement of windows, and the emphasis on connection with society make Quarter a truly remarkable residential design.

Quarter's exceptional design and execution have been recognized with the prestigious Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category in 2018. This award acknowledges the outstanding creativity and ingenuity of the design, which incorporates best practices in art, science, design, and technology. By contributing to quality of life improvements, Quarter exemplifies the potential of innovative architecture to make the world a better place.