We are proud to announce that the Ishiba-date (traditional stone foundation) residence, for which EKAM provided regenerative landscape design and civil works,「Regenerative Vegan House」has been recognized at the international design award「Asia Design Prize 2026」at theGold Winnerceremony.
About the Asia Design Prize
The Asia Design Prize is a prestigious international award celebrating design excellence across Asia. Spanning architecture, product design, graphic design, and more, the award recognizes works that achieve an outstanding balance of aesthetics, originality, and functionality. Receiving the highest distinction —Gold Winner— is a testament to the international recognition of our work and approach.
About the Regenerative Vegan House
The 'Regenerative Vegan House' is an Ishiba-date residence situated on the UNESCO World Natural Heritage island of Yakushima. The architectural design was led by Tsukasa Ono of TONO INC., while EKAM was responsible for the Ishiba-date stonework and the regenerative landscape design across the entire site.
Ishiba-date is a traditional Japanese construction method in which columns are placed directly on foundation stones without the use of concrete. By maintaining open pathways for air and water between the structure and the ground, this technique preserves healthy subsurface conditions while allowing the building to breathe with the surrounding landscape over generations.
Integration of Regenerative Landscape Design
The seamless integration of architecture and landscape design enables the entire site to function as a natural circulatory system.
Existing trees in the courtyard were preserved in place, with the deck designed to allow trunks to extend through its surface. Rather than imposing control over nature, this residence — carefully positioned to dissolve into the surrounding forest — embodies the philosophy of"living within nature."という思想を体現しています。
International Recognition of Ishiba-date Construction
This award serves as international proof that regenerative civil engineering and landscape techniques hold significant value within the design world. Beyond mere visual beauty, landscaping that actively improves subsurface conditions and restores ecosystems has been recognized as design of the highest global standard.
EKAM will continue to pursue the integration of environmental regeneration and exceptional spatial design through collaboration with architects and design studios worldwide.
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