Located in Saitama City, the site is located near the former Nakasendo Road, which flourished with travel to and from the post town. As a prosperous post town, Urawa fostered interaction within its rich natural surroundings, where the relationship between people and greenery was cherished. Therefore, this project aimed to create a space for resident interaction centered around the landscape and courtyard.

The entrance hall, lounge, dining area, reception room, elevator lobby, and corridors form an L-shape around the central courtyard. This design allows residents to experience the lively atmosphere of people through the courtyard’s greenery from various locations. Furthermore, for a senior residence where residents spend extended periods indoors, spaces offering views of seasonal plantings are essential. The large fragrant olive tree, which is over 30 years old and was planted on the site before this project began, was transplanted and preserved as a symbol inheriting the land’s history.

The central courtyard, conceived as a “green-shaded retreat,” incorporates ingenious features to encourage resident use. In addition to winding paths lined with lush plantings, a vegetable garden was designed so residents could enjoy activities in the yard. An arbor was also installed to provide shelter from sunlight and rain, creating a casual invitation to step out into the garden for outdoor gatherings and other activities. Considering the site’s proximity to rail lines and roads, meticulous design details were implemented. This included installing custom-made fences featuring Japanese modern design elements to shape the courtyard’s aesthetic.

The shared interior spaces are designed to encourage natural encounters and interactions among residents as they go about their daily lives. The main flow line meanders pleasantly through the lush garden, and each functional area is thoughtfully placed. The design evokes the image of a series of eaves under which people gather, creating an opportunity for residents to enjoy meeting one another in their everyday lives.

The building’s exterior features a horizontal design reminiscent of the continuous eaves of the wooden structures that were once seen in post towns along the Nakasendo Road. Its overall appearance employs a calm gray color scheme that evokes a Japanese aesthetic. Wood-grain panels on the first-floor eaves and wood-textured paint with decorative joints on the balcony eaves above the second floor create the impression of continuous wooden eaves. Additionally, horizontal louvers of varying heights are incorporated into the lower section of the balcony railings, giving the exterior a modern look. The gable end facing the street features two types of border tiles that accentuate the texture of the materials, resulting in a rich, shadowed façade.

We hope this place becomes a space where new encounters are woven into the fabric of life here while carrying forward the memories of history.