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Cantilevered Spaces Enhanced by Vibrant Red Accents and Natural Wood Textures in an Urban Educational Hub

Author:
Paul Chiu
Cantilevered Spaces Enhanced by Vibrant Red Accents and Natural Wood Textures in an Urban Educational Hub

Project in-detail

Cantilevered forms extend outward, framed by vibrant red elements and warm wood textures, creating an educational hub that redefines urban learning spaces while bridging connections to the nearby garden.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cantilevered design enhances spatial dynamics while providing shaded outdoor areas.
02
Vibrant red accents are deliberately integrated to draw user attention and create focal points.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to both sustainability and structural integrity.
04
Charred wooden shingles offer fire resistance while adding texture and character to the facade.
05
An open atrium facilitates movement and interaction among diverse user groups.

## Overview

Located at a vital intersection in Tokyo, the Pop Lab integrates visual, cultural, and spatial connections between the adjacent Japanese Garden (Tokyo Green Palace) and educational facilities, particularly a high school. The intent is to create a multifunctional hub that harmonizes modern operational needs with elements of traditional Japanese aesthetics, supporting an engaging environment for learning and community interaction.

### Spatial Dynamics and User Interaction

The architectural design emphasizes interconnectivity through layered volumes and vibrant color palettes, enhancing the user experience by promoting both indoor and outdoor activities. The structure's dynamic layout encourages exploration, allowing users to transition from the bustle of urban life to serene garden settings. Key functional spaces, including lecture rooms, exhibit halls, cafeterias, and libraries, are designed to accommodate various educational and communal activities, fostering a sense of community engagement.

### Materiality and Structural Considerations

Material selection plays a critical role in defining the character of the project. Transparent glass facades maximize natural light, while steel provides the structural integrity necessary for the bold cantilevered forms. Concrete elements offer spatial mass, complemented by the warmth of wood finishes that introduce traditional aesthetic qualities. The building's cantilevered structures create shaded outdoor areas, enhancing visual accessibility and inviting interaction between the architecture and its surroundings. The combination of these materials helps to establish a strong connection with the adjacent garden, enhancing the experience of nature through architectural forms.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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