Niwa House

Designed by Takero Shimazaki Architects in collaboration with interior designers Covet Noir, this contemporary, fully accessible family home in Dulwich, South London, draws on the client’s connection with Japan, exploring the relationship between the house and garden (niwa). Conceived as a lightweight pavilion, a series of interconnected spaces flow between the interiors, enclosed garden and sunken courtyards, creating a continuous dialogue between inside and out.

The clients’ aspirations for texture, raw materiality and a quiet atmosphere are realised through a restrained palette of exposed timber, limestone, expansive glazing and clay plaster. Natural materials are central to the home’s character, with Clayworks smooth clay plaster providing a soft, subtly textured backdrop to the exposed timber structure.

“Winning the 2025 Manser Medal is a proud achievement for us, in recognition to the great team effort it takes to achieve an innovative well-loved home, conscious of its inhabitants, and making the most of natural resources in its construction and everyday use. Niwa house is built from natural materials in timber, stone and clay plaster, contributing with its layout to create a comfortable and temperate environment with natural ventilation and high thermal mass properties. It is important to us to show that design can be inclusive and beautiful, and has the power to transform lives positively, everyday, for everyone.” Cécile David, Paolo Pisano, Takero Shimazaki