Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Fluid Forms of Glass and Concrete Enhance Cultural Engagement in Tokyo Laboratory

Authors:
Sushant Verma, Ajay Khanna, Prannay Dhingra, Sadhika Baveja
Fluid Forms of Glass and Concrete Enhance Cultural Engagement in Tokyo Laboratory

Project in-detail

With an undulating façade of glass and concrete that fosters openness and interaction, the laboratory serves as a hub for cultural exchange and creative collaboration in the heart of Tokyo.
5 key facts about this project
01
Undulating façade design maximizes natural light and views.
02
Interactive spaces promote spontaneous cultural engagement.
03
Use of advanced glass technology enhances thermal performance.
04
Concrete structure integrates with green roof systems for sustainability.
05
Flexible layout accommodates diverse programming and community activities.

### Overview
The Pop Culture Laboratory is situated in Tokyo, Japan, where the design reflects the city's dynamic urban context and rich cultural history. The project aims to create a fluid space that fosters interaction and cultural exchange, integrating various architectural elements to support flexible usage and aesthetic coherence. The overall concept prioritizes connectivity among diverse cultural narratives while addressing sustainable practices through its design approach.

### Spatial Strategy
The architectural morphology features an undulating form that promotes visual continuity and spatial interconnectedness. Employing a layering strategy, the design incorporates varying heights and projections to enhance intra-site permeability. The vertical sectioning of the facade introduces a textured exterior that signifies the merging of cultural layers. Internally, the arrangement of programmatic functions across multiple levels is deliberately zoned, accommodating a range of uses from studios and conference rooms to communal areas.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The selection of materials is pivotal to the laboratory’s identity. Primary structural supports are crafted from concrete, ensuring stability, while extensive glass facades invite natural light and blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments. Wood accents are used for internal finishes, providing warmth and a tactile contrast. Sustainability is a core consideration, with features such as optimized building orientation for natural light, green roofs for biodiversity enhancement, and rainwater harvesting systems to manage water efficiently. These elements underscore the project's commitment to creating an environmentally responsible structure.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy