Ryuichi Sasaki/Sasaki Architecture has returned to the international spotlight with its winning entry for the mixed-use portion of this year’s Architecture MasterPrize that adds an iconic new touch to one of Tokyo’s oldest neighborhoods. 

Located in the city’s Minato ward, the five-story structure hosts a ground floor restaurant underneath three floors of residential units topped off by a fifth floor defined by a double-height maisonette that plays host to an office.

The spaces themselves are designed to have large openings that create a high degree of “spatial freedom” and movement within a flexible floorplan. Outside, a distinctive shimmering effect is achieved through the mixture of Shinko stainless steel panels and reinforced concrete load-bearing walls. The entire site area encompasses nearly 91 square meters (980 square feet) of remade high-density urban landscape. 

Per the design team: “The playful use of materials in the spatial flexibility is based on the idea of minimalism in relation to the building’s surrounding environment, providing a rich and unique experience. A lifestyle with the sense of liberating freedom in space allows the residents to take the leading role in controlling the space. The dialogue between the existing architecture and the surrounding environment is firmly established through the various use of materials and the architectural structure design of the residence unit itself.”

The project was completed in collaboration with Rieko Okumura/YTRO DESIGN INSTITUTE in November of last year. Tatsumi Terado served as the structural engineer of the site. Addition project images can be viewed below.