The Architecture MasterPrize 2020 in the "Small Architecture" category was awarded to Takaaki Fuji + Yuko Fuji Architecture for "The Bay Window Tower House" project.
The award is given by an international jury of designers, architects and scholars to promote extraordinary architecture around the world. The award-winning building is located in Tokyo's Shibuya district and consists of a small family home and office. Drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese verandas, the vision was to create rooms offering all kinds of pleasant seating areas. Takaaki Fuji + Yuko Fuji Architekture proposed the building as a tower with bay windows on each floor, from which residents can enjoy views of the city. After analysis, the tower was designed to focus all attention on nature, its diversity presenting itself differently depending on the season or time of day.
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interior of the house
photo: Masao Nishikawa
The building uses carbonized cork, i.e., a material that exhibits low weight and high thermal insulation and ease of processing. The different floors are connected by a spiral staircase. Takaaki Fuji + Yuko Fuji chose materials such as wood, cork and certain types of paint - materials with unique character that develop and flourish over time. In harmony with the changes in materials, the building was also designed to meet the similarly changing needs of its occupants. Lamps, for example, are integrated into the furniture, which can be moved to where they are needed, so the room layout can be easily adjusted and changed when the children grow up.
spiral staircase
photo: Masao Nishikawa
The building's uniqueness comes from its surroundings and the people who live in it , Takaaki Fuji concludes.
One of the bay windows - or rather, right next to the window - incorporates a Duravit DuraSquare washbasin, which, with its timeless look and longevity, fits perfectly into the house - even if the room's design changes. In the bathroom, the Starck bathtub is positioned in an expanded window area, providing a breathtaking view of downtown skyscrapers.
The 
Duravit DuraSquare washbasin
photo: Syokoyama
For more information, visit the website ofDURAVIT POLAND SP. Z O.O. A&B portal.
