Articles by Miwa Negoro

When planning a small building, understanding the land, its surroundings, and the user’s needs becomes crucial. On a compact site, the form is often dictated by constraints—lot size, shape, entry points, and stairs. Yet when interpreted creatively, such limitations can yield a distinctive story, the kind that defines the charm of small houses.

Choosing to remain in this coveted pocket of North Fremantle, our clients sought to expand rather than relocate – a challenge made intricate owing to the site’s strict heritage controls. The brief called for additional floor space, including a new master bedroom suite and a versatile space to serve as either a study or second living area. Drawing on the client’s distinct Mediterranean sensibility, our role was to translate this relaxed approach to contemporary living with the home’s existing heritage character.

When I began designing my own house in the center of Amami Island, I never imagined it would eventually be disconnected from the power grid. Yet, as environmental degradation accelerates and extreme weather becomes the norm, that choice became inevitable. The decision was catalyzed by a mountain I purchased three years earlier—a place where I began developing my own micro-infrastructure to live independently, preparing for unforeseen crises while envisioning new forms of resilience in aging, depopulated regions.

Set in a quiet residential area, the building was designed with an open space at the opening, with an axis running from there to the approach as the layout plan. A roof with east-west eaves emphasizes this axis. The roof itself was designed with consideration for sunlight reaching the house on the north side, with two roofs of different heights, the north roof being lower.

We designed a clinic that resembles a house, featuring a series of small gabled roofs scaled to children’s proportions. Since both children and their parents visit the clinic, we wanted to create a space considerate of both.

We designed a clinic that resembles a house, featuring a series of small gabled roofs scaled to children’s proportions. Since both children and their parents visit the clinic, we wanted to create a space considerate of both.

On a steep, compact site in inner-city Brisbane, Tighty Whitey House redefines what’s possible within a small urban footprint. Designed by Maytree Studios, the project challenges conventional ideas about scale, privacy, and density—proving that clever design and restraint can create generosity in the most modest conditions.

Namia River Retreat is a five-star sustainable wellness resort located on a five-hectare private island along the Thu Bon River, less than two kilometers from Hoi An Ancient Town. Set within a landscape of tropical abundance and cultural depth, the project honors the identity of Quang Nam Province — a place where nature, history, and craftsmanship coexist in harmony. The design draws inspiration from the area’s UNESCO World Heritage status, emphasizing the preservation of local character and ecological integrity while shaping a contemporary retreat for rest and renewal.