Last year, we took on new challenges in architecture, art, and research. In February, Yumi had a final lecture and exhibition at Osaka Institute of Technology, in April, went to Sicily for a new architectural project, in June, completed a villa in Karuizawa, in August, created an art/architecture installation in the medieval city of Maranola, Italy, and in November, created site-specific artworks at Ryuanji Temple in Minoh, Osaka. In parallel with these projects, we have also been working on revitalizing historical buildings in Sawara, Chiba Prefecture. We will continue to work hard to create inspiring spaces that resonate with people’s minds.
郡裕美＋遠藤敏也 / スタジオ宙一級建築士事務所 Yumi Kori + Toshiya Endo/ studio MYU
★以下、2025年度の私たちの活動報告です。 ご笑覧いただき、ご感想などお聞かせください。 ★Below is a report on our activities for 2025. Please take a look and let us know your feedback.
sous les ailes 「神の御翼の下で守られる」—聖書より— 木造 平家建て、長野県 軽井沢
“sous les ailes”, Wooden one-story house, Karuizawa, Nagano By taking advantage of the slope, we designed a naturally flowing space, creating a small yet rich environment in a forest. Here is the link for more photos and the design process. https://www.studio-myu.com/news/archives/7425 and to the Video. (Please set the subtitle.) https://www.studio-myu.com/news/archives/7487
We have been working on the revitalization of Sawara’s historic townscape since 1997. Last year, we started working on new projects, converting charming old houses to shared kitchens, offices, cafes, and community spaces, bringing new vitality to the town. In 2015, we received the Architectural Institute of Japan Award for our achievement. We continue our efforts to revitalize living townscapes that are organically connected to the present and history.
Maranola is a medieval walled city located on Italy’s west coast. Cobblestone streets and buildings intertwine intricately along the slope, and staircases are scattered throughout the buildings to support people’s daily lives. I installed a new “procedural architecture” mockup, “Mirage Stairs/Maranola,” in a small square. Here for more photos and text for the concept.
UTSUSHI YO Is the world reflected on the water’s surface paradise or the real world? My architectural Installation transformed the Ryuanji Temple Hououkaku hall into “Pureland”, as if it were floating on water. The audience is invited to stay in the installation and enjoy the feeling and atmosphere. This hall is a National cultural heritage, and it was designed by well-known architect Goichi Takeda, inspired by the Phoenix Hall, which represents “Pureland”, built during the 11th century. For more installation photos and for the concept and the architectural information, please visit the link.
Minoh no Mori Artwalk 2025, 11.15-30Ryuanji Temple Hououkaku, Osaka Architectural installation. Materials: Acrylic mirror, oak veneer, wood Nov. 15th – 30th, Minoh no Mori Artwalk 2025
荒川修作＋ギンズの天命反転思想の研究の一環でつくった蜃気楼階段は、現在、大阪ガス 実験集合住宅 NEXT21の住宅の中にあります。ギャラリーに展示するのではなく、蜃気楼階段が不条理的劇のように日常の中に挿入されることで、住人にとっての建築の見え方が変わり、この装置が手続き型建築として作用することを目論んで創りました. ワークショップの様子はこちら. 主催：荒川＋ギンズモックアップ研究会（空間と身体感覚の相互作用にもとづく空間デザインの研究） ワークショップ：大阪ガス 実験集合住宅 NEXT21 日時：3月16日、12月６日Mirage Stairs Workshop, Organized by: Arakawa + Gins Mock-up Research Group at the Osaka-Gas NEXT21 experimental housing complex. The Mirage Stairs, created as part of Arakawa Shusaku and Gins’ research on reversible destiny, are currently installed in the Osaka Gas NEXT21 experimental housing complex. Rather than being exhibited in a gallery, the Mirage Stairs were inserted into the house like an absurdist play, with the intention of changing the way residents perceive their everyday spaces and creating a device that functions as procedural architecture. Click here for more information,
On November 8th, as part of the activities of the International Projects Committee at the JIA (Japan Institute of Architects) Chiba Convention, we were invited to guide VIPs from overseas around the town of Sawara, Chiba Prefecture. Our studio, Studio MYU architects, has been restoring the townscape and revitalizing historic buildings since 1996, when Sawara was designated a Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. In 2025, we received the Architectural Institute of Japan Award for our achievements. Click here for more information.
The NPO Onogawa and Sawara Townscape Study Group created the video above. I’m sharing it because it’s very easy to understand the condition of the town scape. After walking around the townscape on November 8th, we plan to visit Yokuraya’s Okura. It’s an incredibly impressive building. I also found a video of this, so I’ve attached it below.
From the elevated dining room you can see the tiled living room and the raised Japanese-style room beyond. Your vista is lead to the green scenery through the layer of the rooms.
薪ストーブの火の粉が飛んでも、タイル張りの床は安心です。
Tile floors are safe even if sparks fly from the wood stove.
和紙貼りの引戸をしめれば、客室になる小上がり
When you close the sliding door covered in washi paper, the raised area becomes a guest room.
窓際のカウンターは掘り炬燵になっています。
The study counter by the window is a sunken so that you can use it as a regeler desk.
狭くても広く感じる和室の様な客室。南からの光が柔らかく差し込みます。
The Japanese-style rooms are small yet spacious, with soft light streaming in from the south.
和室の左となりには、個室があります。
There is a private room to the left of the Japanese-style room.
天井が高いので、狭さをちっとも感じません。
The ceiling is high so it doesn’t feel cramped at all.
The size and position of the window was designed according to the proportions of the wall. A desk is placed in front of the window, creating a place for quiet thinking.
キッチンの奥はプライベートゾーン、寝室とバスルーム、ユーティリティがあります。
Behind the kitchen there is a private zone, a bedroom, a bathroom and a utility room.
浴室、洗面、トイレが一体化したゆったりしたバスルーム。
A spacious bathroom with a combined bath, washbasin and toilet.
バスタブからは森の風景がよく見えます。窓を開ければ、気持ちの良い風が頬をなぜます。
You can get a good view of the forest from the bathtub. If you open the window, a pleasant breeze will brush your cheeks.
寝室には緑の風景しか見えないコーナー窓。
The bedroom has a corner window that offers a view of nothing but greenery.
景色を絵の様に楽しむピクチャーウインドウもあります。
There is also a picture window that allows you to enjoy the scenery like a painting.
The planting work has not yet been done, so the shape of the building is clearly visible. The plan resembles a large bird spreading its wings in the forest.
玄関ポーチは鳥のくちばしのように。
The entrance porch resembles a bird’s beak.
夜景をみると、内外のテラスの繋がりがよくわかります。
When you look at the night view, you can clearly see the connection between the indoor and outdoor terraces.
森の中にひっそり隠れる様に建つ別荘、 これから建主さんたちがここで楽しく暮らしてくださることを祈っています。 we hope that the owners will enjoy living here.
