Takaminechō House / Tomoaki Uno Architects

Architects: Tomoaki Uno Architects
Area: 189 m² (2035 ft²)
Year: 2021
Photography: Yasuo Hagiwara
Lead Architect: Tomoaki Uno
City: Nagoya
Country: Japan

Takaminechō House, a residential project by Tomoaki Uno Architects in an upscale Nagoya neighborhood, integrates traditional Japanese field masonry into a modern context. Completed in 2021, this 2035 ft² house is inspired by the pyramids of Tenayuca and includes Japan’s first pyramid built using this method, housing a study room. Despite initial challenges and significant design changes, the project successfully balances historical techniques with contemporary needs.

Takaminechō house / tomoaki uno architects

Situated near Nagoya University and Nanzan University, this project was the client’s second commission, allowing for an immediate start. The main request was to use traditional Japanese field masonry. Initially considered only as a finishing material, the architect realized the complexity of its traditional use, historically for foundations and stone walls, not architectural elements. This realization caused uncertainty and hesitation.

The main request was to use traditional Japanese field masonry. Initially considered only as a finishing material, the architect realized the complexity of its traditional use, which was historically for foundations and stone walls, not architectural elements. This realization caused uncertainty and hesitation.

Japanese masonry, used for castle foundations and stone walls, differs significantly from South American examples. It has a gradual warp as it is built, making it rational for its historical use but challenging for new purposes.

The architect felt uneasy about incorporating it into a modern building, fearing it would disrespect tradition.

Inspiration came from the pyramids of Tenayuca in Mexico. Though not traditional architecture, these pyramids inspired the idea of recreating them with Japanese masonry. This breakthrough allowed the project to progress smoothly, resulting in the first Japanese-method pyramid in Japan, which serves as the client’s study room.

However, the masonry’s overwhelming presence posed new challenges. Planned copper sashes were replaced with voluminous iron left in their bare state, and materials and details of the floor texture and hardware were revised. The final design significantly differed from the initial contract but represented a flexible, optimal choice given the architect’s direct involvement.

The overall plan creates a sense of openness while protecting private spaces by surrounding two gardens—the water garden and the courtyard—with the pyramid and private areas.