Architectural Cases

HAMS and, Studio has meticulously refurbished a 60-year-old single-story dwelling situated on a sylvan incline in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. This site, located midway up a mountain accessible by the local railway, is cradled by the Owakudani volcanic valley. The area, characterized by a blend of permanent homes and vacation retreats, prioritizes privacy through generous setbacks. Surrounded by towering cedar trees and gently inclining northward, the property embodies Hakone's historical charm as a serene summer escape, despite receiving limited direct southern sunlight.

The existing structure, built upon an artificial plateau extending from the hillside, featured a clear and efficient layout with a central living area connecting to all other rooms. Instead of a complete overhaul, the project focused on maintaining this spatial clarity while modernizing the residence for its dual role as a home and guesthouse. The escalating costs of new construction further underscored the decision to thoughtfully integrate with the existing building. The design is rooted in the concept of 'enclosure,' manifested across various scales: from the encompassing valley of Hakone and the surrounding forest, to the house's original core and the newly introduced architectural features. These elements are not treated as separate entities but are interconnected through a concentric spatial arrangement.

A notable addition is the circular 'engawa' (veranda) and a complementary semi-circular canopy, which now encompass the interior rooms, a central 'doma' (earthen floor), and an external balcony. The former living room has been reimagined as a doma, with the engawa encircling it to establish a communal hub that facilitates movement, visual pathways, and daily routines. This engawa acts as a transitional zone, blurring the lines between inside and outside, old and new. During the demolition phase, a substantial five-meter log beam was discovered above the central space, revealing the original structure's inherent potential. The ceiling was subsequently opened to showcase the intricate roof framework, and a previous ventilation louver at the roof's apex was ingeniously converted into a skylight, drawing ample natural light deep into the interior. The design team at HAMS and, Studio carefully restored the original reddish-brown exterior, treating this hue not merely as a color but as a symbol of warmth, richness, and the vitality emerging from these layered enclosures.

This innovative renovation by HAMS and, Studio masterfully bridges the past and the present, transforming an aging residence into a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern functionality. The project underscores the importance of thoughtful preservation and adaptive reuse, demonstrating how existing structures can be imbued with new life and purpose while honoring their historical context and natural surroundings. By creating interconnected spaces that flow seamlessly between indoors and outdoors, the design fosters a sense of community and interaction, enriching the lives of its inhabitants and guests. The careful attention to detail, from revealing hidden structural elements to repurposing architectural features, exemplifies a commitment to craftsmanship and sustainable design. This revitalized home serves as a testament to the enduring beauty and adaptability of Japanese architectural principles, offering a peaceful sanctuary that celebrates both heritage and innovation.

PROJECT PEACH, a visionary mixed-use infill development by Cúre & Penabad, addresses critical urban challenges in Overtown, Miami. This innovative project tackles housing affordability, climate resilience, and urban density by integrating community services with residential units on a remarkably compact site. It introduces a fresh paradigm for urban development, offering a scalable solution for similar underutilized spaces across the city.

Situated on a mere 3,500-square-foot parcel, half the size of typical Miami residential lots, the development champions a model often overlooked in contemporary urban planning: a mixed-use residential structure on a narrow infill plot. This building serves as the new headquarters for CATALYST Miami, a non-profit dedicated to fostering grassroots networks. It ingeniously combines ground-level micro-retail, a second floor for offices and shared community spaces, and three accessible housing units above. This strategic layering ensures a vibrant, integrated urban experience.

Overtown, a district deeply rooted in Miami's Black history, faced significant decline due to mid-20th-century urban planning that fragmented its community. PROJECT PEACH offers a revitalization strategy through small-scale development. Rather than displacing residents, the project’s architectural form and programmatic density strengthen community presence. Affordable housing is not an afterthought but a central design principle, seamlessly interwoven with spaces for local businesses and employment opportunities.

The building's design revolves around a central courtyard, a feature that significantly enhances natural ventilation, maximizes daylight penetration, and fosters organic social interactions. This thoughtful spatial arrangement minimizes reliance on mechanical systems, creating comfortable indoor-outdoor environments perfectly suited to Miami's subtropical climate. The vertical stacking of diverse uses efficiently increases density within a limited footprint, providing a viable alternative to conventional development models that often favor expansive plots and high-end residential offerings.

By intentionally situating affordable housing above community-centric functions, PROJECT PEACH strengthens the symbiotic relationship between living, working, and civic engagement. This configuration enables residents to remain connected to Overtown's rich cultural fabric while ensuring easy access to essential services, public transportation, and employment prospects. The project's adaptable scale and layout establish a robust framework that can be replicated across other underserved urban sites throughout Miami, paving the way for broader urban regeneration.

Cúre & Penabad's PROJECT PEACH redefines affordable housing as a vital piece of urban infrastructure, integrating it within a climate-responsive and community-focused architectural approach. Its compact form, multifaceted program, and courtyard-centered design present a groundbreaking infill strategy that aligns with Miami's long-term urban, environmental, and social objectives. This project stands as a testament to how innovative design can address complex urban challenges, fostering resilient and inclusive communities.