Michihiro Matsuo's Innovative Urban Bridge House

Reimagining Urban Living with Openness and Privacy

The Bridge House, located in Osaka, Japan, was completed in December 2018. Matsuo's design is a response to the often closed-off nature of urban houses. The design features windows that open to nature and external spaces, creating a sense of openness in an urban setting. To balance this openness with privacy, Matsuo cleverly avoided the intersection of the gaze of passers-by and residents, a concept inspired by the structure of a bridge.

The house's unique design places a window across the entire road-facing surface, with the living space floating above the ground, reminiscent of a bridge. The rooms are arranged on both sides of the first floor, enhancing the floating sensation. This design not only ensures privacy but also creates a visually striking impression.

Despite the complex shape of the building, Matsuo opted for a low-carbon ramen type tree structure, a choice that aligns with modern demands for sustainable construction. This decision presented a challenge, as large openings are difficult to install in such structures. However, through precise structural calculations, Matsuo was able to design a large space with significant openings.

The Bridge House is more than just a residential structure; it's an interactive design that shapes the residents' lifestyle. The main living area is located in the floating space on the second floor, while daily life unfolds on the ground level. The strategically arranged trees and houses effectively guide the gaze of passers-by, ensuring privacy and enriching everyday life.

Through this project, Matsuo has demonstrated that it's possible to design urban houses with large windows that ensure residents' privacy. The Bridge House has been well-received as a new type of urban housing that addresses the challenges of narrow Japanese landscapes. Matsuo's innovative design approach, which combines openness, privacy, and low-carbon construction, has set a new standard for urban residential design.