Articles by Miwa Negoro

In many parts of the world, remoteness is not only defined by distance. It may describe a mountain settlement far from infrastructure or an urban and suburban neighborhood on the margins of visibility and opportunity. Across these diverse contexts, the library has been one of the most vital typologies—a space where architecture embodies the modes of accessibility, inclusivity, and community care.

Balkash is a small rural village of approximately 200 families located in the northern city limits of Surat. The village settlement originates around a lake, with two linear streets lined by rows of traditional pitched-roof tropical houses leading to the surrounding farmlands. Proximity to the sea and a high groundwater table allow for the cultivation of crops such as sugarcane, paddy, and coconut plantations. The people here lead an austere life with simplistic ideals and an affinity to nature.

Balkash is a small rural village of approximately 200 families located in the northern city limits of Surat. The village settlement originates around a lake, with two linear streets lined by rows of traditional pitched-roof tropical houses leading to the surrounding farmlands. Proximity to the sea and a high groundwater table allow for the cultivation of crops such as sugarcane, paddy, and coconut plantations. The people here lead an austere life with simplistic ideals and an affinity to nature.

Introducing the Torquay Garden House by Lifespaces Group, the Geelong builder creates limited edition designs from Australia’s top architects. Located on Victoria’s Surf Coast, this project is from the eponymous Auhaus Release by Melbourne studio, Auhaus Architecture. The Torquay Garden House features a striking façade of copper, brick, and timber, creating a dynamic presence in its coastal streetscape. Over time, the copper will develop a natural patina, shifting from rich brown to weathered blue and eventually green. This beautiful transformation occurs in response to the natural elements, preserving the metal underneath.

Introducing the Torquay Garden House by Lifespaces Group, the Geelong builder creates limited edition designs from Australia’s top architects. Located on Victoria’s Surf Coast, this project is from the eponymous Auhaus Release by Melbourne studio, Auhaus Architecture. The Torquay Garden House features a striking façade of copper, brick, and timber, creating a dynamic presence in its coastal streetscape. Over time, the copper will develop a natural patina, shifting from rich brown to weathered blue and eventually green. This beautiful transformation occurs in response to the natural elements, preserving the metal underneath.

This is a renovation project for a kindergarten located in Nansha District, Guangzhou, China. The site covers over 16,000 square meters and features a one-story building with plenty of natural light and a spacious garden. Originally planned as a communal commercial facility for a residential complex, the building has been renovated to include 12 classrooms, an atelier, special classrooms, a library, a hall, a lounge, and a dining area.

The 3×30 introverted house is a private house based on a long and narrow lot, located in a high-density residential area in Vung Tau City, Vietnam. The house faces the southwest on the traffic road. With the need of the homeowner to create a simple form of the building, playing the role of a private area in contrast to the stormy urban life. Ensuring quiet, comfort, and privacy in the dense urban fabric. On the other hand, adapting to the humid tropical climate of the area.

The 3×30 introverted house is a private house based on a long and narrow lot, located in a high-density residential area in Vung Tau City, Vietnam. The house faces the southwest on the traffic road. With the need of the homeowner to create a simple form of the building, playing the role of a private area in contrast to the stormy urban life. Ensuring quiet, comfort, and privacy in the dense urban fabric. On the other hand, adapting to the humid tropical climate of the area.

DJ Residence is situated on a picturesque hilly land, beautifully dominated by clusters of oak trees. It was strategically embedded in the open spaces between the trees, resulting in a captivating arrangement of indoor and outdoor spaces. The oak trees, present at various levels in the beautifully landscaped garden, serve as gentle anchors for the suspended mass.

A striking residential project has emerged on a challenging waterfront site, seamlessly blending medieval architectural principles with contemporary design. Dubbed “Corbel House,” by designers Nick Bell Architects, this innovative family home maximizes spatial efficiency while harmonizing with its natural surroundings.