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"Fuma" House: Award-Winning Concrete Residence Overcomes Urban Challenges with Innovative Design

In the heart of Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, "Fuma" stands as a testament to architectural ingenuity and resilience. Designed by Masakatsu Matsuyama, this three-story reinforced concrete home was conceived for a family of four seeking sanctuary amid the constant bustle of passing trains, the proximity of a lively entertainment quarter, and lingering memories of severe flooding. The project, completed in January 2024 after 32 months of design and construction, transforms a once-flourishing but now deserted urban site into a haven of openness and tranquility.

The design's unique approach centers on elevating the primary living spaces to the second floor, creating a single-story lifestyle within a multi-level structure. The living and dining areas connect to a dramatic double-height theater room, while a series of carefully planned axes and terraces foster seamless interaction between indoor and outdoor environments. Strategic setbacks, cantilevered volumes, and complex-profile eaves on the east facade shield the home from noise and vibrations, while allowing natural light and fresh air to permeate the interiors. Large glazed openings and lush plantings throughout the house further blur the boundaries between built form and nature, offering a resort-like atmosphere without the need for curtains.

The realization of "Fuma" required advanced engineering, including two- and three-story load-bearing walls and unbonded PC cables to support significant cantilevers-5.6 meters to the east and 3.2 meters to the south. These technical solutions not only address structural demands but also enable the open, flexible spaces that define the home's character. Daily life unfolds in harmony with the environment: mornings begin with coffee on the terrace, children play freely across the atrium, and evenings are spent enjoying the gentle breeze, undisturbed by the city's clamor. "Fuma" exemplifies how thoughtful design can transform adversity into comfort, earning its place as a Platinum A' Design Award winner and a new benchmark for urban residential architecture.

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