Frames
Frames is an office building located in Osaka, Japan. The facade is defined by overlapping window frames that appear to float above a horizontal eave at ground level. Bright and open work spaces are placed mainly above the second floor. The window shapes and carefully placed trees soften the view from the street, keeping a balance between privacy and openness. The building uses a wooden rigid frame structure with large section laminated timber and metal joints. Structural analysis was carried out to ensure safety in a region with frequent earthquakes and to support low carbon construction.
Frames Office by Michihiro Matsuo was identified as an outstanding example of architectural design by the A' Design Award & Competition. Frames Office won the Silver A' Design Award in Architecture, Building and Structure Design in 2025. The A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award is an international, meritocratic, just and fair design recognition program which rewards exceptional design of skyscrapers, museums, residential buildings, commercial complexes, educational institutions, religious structures, infrastructure designs, landscaping projects and more.
