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Charred Wood Shingles and Natural Light Define A Cultural Hub Anchored by Multi-Tiered Forms

Authors:
Erik Didar, Manuel Mauch
Charred Wood Shingles and Natural Light Define A Cultural Hub Anchored by Multi-Tiered Forms

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wood shingles and a multi-tiered structure, the cultural center seamlessly integrates natural light to foster community engagement and artistic expression.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to create a lightweight yet sturdy structure.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes internal space and aesthetics.
04
Integrates multiple green roofs to promote biodiversity and sustainable practices.
05
Includes expansive glass facades that enhance natural light and connection to the environment.

**Overview**

The Tokyo Pop Lab is a contemporary architectural intervention located in the heart of Tokyo, Japan. This project seeks to enhance cultural engagement through innovative design within an urban environment, drawing inspiration from Mount Fuji to reflect the significance of Japanese heritage and tradition. The design emphasizes the idea that the experience of inhabiting the space is as valuable as its physical presence, encouraging visitors to explore layers of cultural expression and collaborative creativity.

**Spatial Interaction and User Engagement**

The design strategy prioritizes user interaction and spatial fluidity, carefully considering how individuals will navigate the space and engage with its amenities. Multi-tiered rooflines evoke the profile of Mount Fuji, establishing a visual connection to the natural landscape while modulating the building's scale within its dense urban context. The inclusion of open atrium spaces promotes social interaction and allows natural light to permeate, enhancing the overall user experience and facilitating movement throughout the facility.

**Materiality and Sustainability**

The material selection for the Tokyo Pop Lab reflects a juxtaposition of traditional Japanese elements with modern methodologies. Wood is widely used for roofing, contributing warmth and an organic aesthetic. Aluminum frames provide structural integrity and energy efficiency, while glass facades facilitate transparency, merging indoor and outdoor environments. Concrete serves as a robust foundation designed to withstand seismic activity, a critical consideration given Tokyo's geographical context.

The project incorporates green roofs and terraces, promoting biodiversity and creating recreational spaces. Additionally, it features cultural hybridization, integrating aesthetic elements from various Asian cultures to encourage a diverse cultural dialogue. This approach supports sustainability goals and enhances community engagement through shared spaces for learning and interaction.

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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

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