The Mabuchi Laboratory in the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering at Okayama University of Science (OUS) has been awarded the Grand Prize at The Asia Design Prize 2026 (organized by DESIGNRORI Co., Ltd.) for its work Keyaki Monogatari.
Following previous recognitions — including the DFA Design for Asia Awards 2023 Merit Award, the Wood Design Award 2023, the Good Design Award 2023, and the KMEW DESIGN AWARD 2022 SOLIDO Prize (Detached Housing Category) — Keyaki Monogatari has now received the highest honor (Grand Prize) in an international design competition.
The Mabuchi Laboratory remains committed to continuing its design and research activities in a manner worthy of this series of prestigious awards.
In addition, this award publishes rankings by organization type (companies and universities). As of 2026, Okayama University of Science is ranked 24th, making it the only university from Japan included in the rankings.
Keyaki Monogatari
Award: GRAND PRIZE
SUMMARY:
‘Keyaki Monogatari’ began with an encounter with a single large zelkova. In the past, this wood stood in the client’s ancestral house’s garden. We felt the presence of the client’s ancestors. We set up the wood as a pillar supporting the roof ridge, so it could be handled like a grandparent who gently loves his grandchildren, or as a sacred object of prayer. The house also challenges capitalist society and peace. By designing for attachment, we offer our clients irreplaceable value. Also, by placing a metaphor of peace in this house, we design with the hope of peace.
Detailed Comments
1) Originality:
An encounter with a single great zelkova tree inspired the client to imagine a story in which they themselves appear, leading to the creation of this home through a “story-driven design approach.” As a result, the house is situated in a rural landscape at the foothills of Mt. Tateyama — often referred to as the “Japanese Alps” — and is envisioned as a place that can be inhabited and passed down across generations.
2) Aesthetics:
The design began with a single large zelkova inherited from the client’s ancestors. Within the spiritual presence of Mt. Tateyama — an object of local reverence, the designer and client shared a narrative centered on this tree. Within that story, the zelkova becomes both a loving grandparent watching over grandchildren and a sacred tree for prayer. The image of a family living alongside this tree is profoundly beautiful.
3) Sustainability:
We recognize that architecture born within a capitalist society — premised on mass production, consumption, and disposal —has historically disappeared due to the erosion of temporal and economic value. This project challenges that fate. The richly developed narrative created by the client fosters a deep and irreplaceable emotional attachment to the home. We hope that this narrative will serve as a driving force for its continued use across generations, enabling it to transcend the typical lifecycle dictated by capitalism.
4) Social Impact:
This house incorporates a universal metaphor for peace. Its ridge-supporting structure consists of an interior zelkova pillar and an exterior cross-shaped pillar. The former draws from Buddhist symbolism, while the patter references Christianity. Although their origins differ, both symbolize the “peace” that the world needs today.
Designer: Daiu MABUCHI
Project Pages:
https://asiadesignprize.com/exhibition/333679
https://www.mabuchidaiu.com/pj02 (Japanese only)
Official Website: https://asiadesignprize.com/