Nishisando Terrace: A Harmonious Blend of Architecture and Nature

Motoki Ishikawa's Award-Winning Design Emphasizes Privacy and Organic Integration

The Nishisando Terrace is a separated-townhouse style condominium, featuring four three-storied houses. This design stands out in its midtown location, where it is surrounded by larger volume buildings. Ishikawa's design inspiration came from the desire to create a living space that offers the richness of life in a detached house. This is achieved through the creation of common spaces filled with lush greenery and private gardens where sunlight filters through lattice structures.

The building's structure is a combination of reinforced concrete and wood, a testament to Ishikawa's commitment to using organic and durable materials. The site covers an area of 353.10m2, with a building area of 208.25m2 and a total floor area of 481.06m2. The cedar lattice surrounding the building not only secures privacy and security but also reduces the temperature difference between the interior and exterior by blocking direct sunlight, thus minimizing the degradation of the building body.

The design process involved a simple square separated plan unified by a structural frame rule. This was coupled with a spiral 3D-construction, connecting different level private gardens, each room, and the stair hall, maximizing the feeling of the building's volume. The changing expression of the facade, due to the color discoloration of the cedar boards over time, and the controlled proportions, allow the building to organically blend with the changing surroundings.

The project, which started in December 2015 and was completed in November 2016, faced several challenges. The simple rectangular plan and complex 3D-construction had to balance privacy control from each building and create a flow line from the common space. This was achieved by rotating the plan, demonstrating Ishikawa's innovative approach to design challenges.

The Nishisando Terrace has been recognized for its innovative design, winning the Golden A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2019. This prestigious award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. They are venerated products and bright ideas that advance art, science, design, and technology, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.

In conclusion, the Nishisando Terrace by Motoki Ishikawa is a testament to the power of innovative design. Its unique blend of architecture and nature, coupled with its commitment to privacy and organic integration, sets it apart in the world of architectural design. Its recognition as a Golden A' Design Award winner underscores its significant contribution to the field.