Introducing ＋UMI — Renovation Design Contest Jury Special Prize / TDY Remodel Smile Works Contest (TOTO) Excellence Award, a custom-built home example by YIA Ishiue Yoshihiro Architectural Design Office, a Architect / Design office in 1572 Amagawataki-cho, Kishiwada, Osaka Prefecture, Japan

The clients, who frequently entertain many overseas friends, requested a living space where guests could relax comfortably on sofas. The original kitchen had been planned set back from the main living area, and they wished for an open kitchen that would allow cooking while enjoying conversation. They also desired a dedicated home-theater space for their interest in film viewing. For the interior they preferred a modern, simple aesthetic evoking a resort hotel and asked for a proposal that would make the most of the tranquil Seto Inland Sea visible below.

We conceived of enriching the living experience by adding the sea to everyday scenes — the concept “＋UMI.” First, a large deck facing the sea was designed as an outdoor living room so that the sea is perceptible immediately beyond the interior floor. The ceiling incorporates a sloped lowered plane to direct sightlines smoothly toward the sea; this element integrates indirect lighting and a curtain box. The former Japanese-style room was converted into a theater room for their film hobby. When hosting many guests, opening this room creates a continuous, dynamic spatial sequence articulated with a restrained, simple design. By placing the kitchen at the heart of the living area, cooking can be done while looking out to the sea and engaging in conversation.

We believe this project successfully reconstitutes the relationship between the calm Seto Inland Sea, its sunsets, and the living environment, bringing relaxation and repose into the home. Principal use: Residential / Renovation
Location: Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture
Structure: Two-story timber construction
Site area: 368.26 m²
Total floor area: 138.87 m²
Construction: Fuji Zokei Co., Ltd.
Furniture: YIA original design
Kitchen: TOYO Kitchen