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Kurevia Yoga: A New Landmark in Setagaya

In an impressive achievement, Kurevia Yoga, a residential project developed by Itochu Urban Development Co., Ltd., has been awarded the 2025 Good Design Award, organized by the Japan Design Promotion Association. This latest recognition brings the total number of Good Design Awards won by the company to an impressive 38 projects and highlights the continuous commitment to excellence and innovative design that the company represents.

Project Overview

Situated in a suburban area along Tokyo's Shuto Expressway, Kurevia Yoga is designed within a context characterized predominantly by low-rise residential houses. This environment allows for a harmonious experience with expansive skies, while simultaneously presenting challenges that required innovative design solutions. The property not only serves as an impactful visual and acoustic barrier between the busy roadway and people in the neighborhood, but it also needed to maintain the openness and sky view essential for those living nearby.

To overcome these challenges, the designers conceptualized the building as a “mighty tree reaching toward the sky”, realizing a structure that works in tandem with the sky that surrounds it. This approach creates a new landmark that embodies the residents' love for Yoga, uplifting the area's aesthetic and community spirit.

Jury Comments

The jury praised the project for its thoughtful integration of urban and natural environments. Despite its location alongside a major roadway, Kurevia Yoga maintains the vital connection to the skies that the locals cherish. By interpreting the building as a tree, with its varying heights designed to enhance the visibility of the surrounding sky, the architecture expertly balances sound insulation with visual connection. The deep balconies form a formidable trunk, while delicately finished walls exude the grace of tree branches, showcasing a design that is both simple and considerate of the community. It serves as a peaceful landmark that evolves in character with time and weather, seamlessly blending into daily life while gently enriching the area's charm.

Concept and Design Elements

Design Concept

The central idea behind the design was to define the building as a “large tree reaching toward expansive skies,” embodying the wishes of the local residents for a space harmonizing with the natural sky overhead.

Design Features

1. Mid-rise Structure: To enhance visibility of the background sky, the building was intentionally kept to a mid-low height.
2. Dynamic Trunk Representation: Deep and wide balcony grooves emulate the powerful trunk of a tree, creating a dramatic wooden texture.
3. Delicate Branch Details: Concrete walls finished with thin cedar planks serve to enhance the structure's trunk, ensuring fine branch-like aesthetics are portrayed effectively.

Daily Life at Kurevia Yoga

Kurevia Yoga promotes a unique lifestyle by providing its residents the opportunity to interact with their environment actively. With each unit designed to embrace natural light and views of the sky, residents can experience a profound connection to nature in the heart of the bustling city. The intricate design elements not only stand as architectural accolades but also enhance the quality of life for each person calling this place home.

Location and Project Info

• - Property Name: Kurevia Yoga
• - Location: 2-13-8 Tamagawadai, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
• - Total Units: 51
• - Structure and Size: 8 stories, reinforced concrete
• - Developed by: Itochu Urban Development Co., Ltd. and Nippon Steel Kowa Real Estate Co., Ltd.
• - Design and Oversight: Form Architecture Planning Institute
• - Construction: Daiichi-Ueki Joint Venture (Daiichi Kensetsu Kogyo Co., Ltd. and Ueki Corp.)
• - Completion Date: January 2025

What is the Good Design Award?

Established in 1957, the Good Design Award recognizes outstanding designs that enhance the quality of everyday life and address social issues through innovative solutions. With participation from numerous companies and organizations both domestically and internationally, this award symbolizes excellence in design through the widely recognized G-Mark.

For more details, visit the official website: Good Design Award

For Itochu Urban Development's list of Good Design Award recipients, please visit: Itochu Good Design