#Japan #Tokyo #Good Design #Shimada Group

Shimada Group's Continued Success in Design

The Shimada Group has once again showcased its commitment to excellence in design, securing the Good Design Award for three exemplary projects in the 2025 period. This year, Shimada Asset Partners Inc., which is the real estate development and sales arm of the group based in Shibuya, Tokyo, was recognized for its innovative housing projects: 'Asagaya Apartment', 'Garden Terrace Chitose Karasuyama', and 'Sendagaya Terrace'. Additionally, Yoshikawa Brewery Co., a part of the same group located in Isehara, Kanagawa, received accolades for their product 'Amaburi///afuri', a new take on the traditional one-liter sake bottle. This year marked the 12th consecutive year of award-winning designs for the group, bringing their total to 31 distinct recognitions.

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Good Design Award 2025: Key Projects

Asagaya Apartment

Overview: Located in a densely populated area of Tokyo, this apartment complex consists mainly of one-room units. Designed to seamlessly integrate with its surroundings, it features a layout that facilitates a unique sense of openness for each unit.

Design Highlights:
1. Segmentation: The building is segmented to create rhythm and depth in its internal pathways, improving the privacy between units.
2. Vertical Design: Water utilities are compactly organized and offset, enhancing both audio insulation and overall space usage.
3. Roof Configuration: Roof segments are oriented in different directions, optimizing natural light and cross ventilation for each apartment while maintaining harmony with the urban landscape.

Background: In the post-COVID-19 era, there's a growing demand for rental properties that blend comfort and convenience. This development aims to meet the need for urban one-room apartments that offer a sense of coziness and connection to the community.

Specifications: Lot area of 171.46 m², building area of 100.10 m², and total floor area of 189.09 m². Made of wood and designed as a two-story structure.

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Garden Terrace Chitose Karasuyama

Overview: This assisted living facility in Setagaya specifically aims to challenge the stereotypes associated with elderly care. The facility features a continuous arch design that adds a friendly touch, improving the living experience for residents.

Design Highlights:
1. Inviting Appearance: An open, arch-shaped design aims to remove the typical institutional feel associated with such facilities.
2. Multi-functional Spaces: Equipped with a lounge, beauty salon, and a restaurant with stunning views, creating a versatile ambiance.
3. Health-oriented Services: Includes day services that focus on both physical training and social engagement, supporting holistic resident wellbeing.

Background: The care industry is facing significant challenges including workforce shortages and rising construction costs. This project prioritizes creating a warm, home-like atmosphere to improve residents' quality of life.

Specifications: Lot area of 1,174.49 m², building area of 694.49 m², and total floor area of 2,504.35 m² with five stories.

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Sendagaya Terrace

Overview: With its unique challenges of construction amidst tightly packed residential housing, this project involves creating light-filled tenant offices and row housing units, all while maximizing available space.

Design Highlights:
1. Approach & Staircases: Features like terraces evoke a continuous living environment that encourages social interaction.
2. Variability in Textures: Concrete textures cast shadows that evolve with time, creating a dynamic aesthetic.
3. Open Layout: The design focuses on compact living while ensuring the flow of light and air throughout the spaces.

Background: Aiming to harmonize with the neighborhood, this project maintains necessary residential density while ensuring visual and spatial compatibility with its urban surroundings.

Specifications: Lot area of 187.70 m², building area of 125.61 m², and total floor area of 310.02 m² over three stories.

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Amaburi///afuri: Innovative Sake Design

Overview: The pandemic shifted consumption patterns in Japan, leading to a rising interest in one-liter bottles due to home drinking trends. The new design for "Amaburi///afuri" addresses the storage challenges of traditional sake bottles in domestic refrigerators.

Design Highlights:
1. Compact Size: Designed to fit refrigerator door pockets, the bottle's height matches that of a four-gō bottle.
2. Elegant Form: Constructed with a faceted shape that allows for beautiful light interaction, designed to prevent rolling when laid horizontally.
3. Transparency: High-quality glass lets the true color of sake shine through, enhancing enjoyment and fostering reuse after consumption.

Background: The general decline in sake demand during the pandemic highlighted the need for more user-friendly packaging. This design provides an elegant solution, catering not only to individual consumers but also restaurant patrons.

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About Shimada Asset Partners

Established in 2007, after the real estate development division separated from Shimada House, Shimada Asset Partners has since been involved in a diverse range of construction projects, including residential, hotels, and care facilities. With a focus on improving community quality and experience, the company emphasizes a holistic approach from acquisition to design and operation.

Website: Shimada Asset Partners

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Shimada Group Public Relations, Takiguchi
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 03-6275-2224