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Dynamic Facade of White Concrete and Glass Elevates Urban Community Engagement

Authors:
Sarah Yap, Jeffrey Blewett
Dynamic Facade of White Concrete and Glass Elevates Urban Community Engagement

Project in-detail

The interplay of transparent glass and smooth white concrete defines a welcoming environment that seamlessly integrates community engagement within a multifunctional creative hub.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dynamic façade integrates large cut-outs for natural light and visibility.
02
Multi-use studios are designed for flexibility and collaboration among artists.
03
Ground-level public forum encourages spontaneous community interactions.
04
Sustainable materials include energy-efficient systems throughout the building.
05
Design promotes a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.

### Project Overview

Located in Tokyo, Japan, the Tokyo Pop Lab is designed to celebrate the city's vibrant urban culture and facilitate dynamic interactions within the art and design communities. The architectural approach emphasizes modern design principles while drawing on local cultural elements, creating an innovative environment that encourages both artistic expression and community engagement.

### Spatial Strategy

The layout of Tokyo Pop Lab is carefully organized to accommodate a variety of functions essential for a creative laboratory. Key features include a ground-level public forum serving as a focal point for gatherings, exhibitions, and performances, as well as a centrally located design studio tailored for workshops and collaborative work. Dedicated exhibition spaces are strategically positioned for optimal visibility, while a lecture theatre equipped with modern audiovisual technology is aimed at fostering educational discourse. Additional amenities, such as cafés and meeting rooms, are designed to promote informal interactions among visitors, integrating functionality with a welcoming atmosphere.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The choice of materials significantly shapes the project's identity. White concrete serves as the primary structural element, imparting a contemporary aesthetic, complemented by glass and metal to enhance transparency and connect interior spaces with the exterior environment. Furthermore, the design incorporates sustainable practices, utilizing energy-efficient systems and responsible material selections that align with contemporary ecological design trends. This commitment to sustainability not only addresses environmental concerns but also facilitates a dialogue between modern architectural practices and local traditions, fostering cultural engagement and innovation within the community.

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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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