tugboat

Katsuhiro Miyamoto & Associates have built a Cor-Ten steel residence in Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan. Built on a two-tiered site and a concern about the credibility of embankment /retaining wall built along the development, the Architects have laid the foundation on natural ground beneath the lower tier; called the ‘Ship’, the steel volume floats above the retaining wall to give its residents a better view thus creating an atmosphere of calmness from the front road.

Due to the site's L-shape, a curve was chosen for its optimal use. The whole project is reminiscent of a ferryboat, in structure and layout, which passenger decks and floating section are separated up and down with the vehicle decks in between. As you would expect from Cor-Ten, this residence will be covered with rust which would complement the uniformly white interior.