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Hanging Gardens and Honeycomb Structure in a Sustainable Urban Community Hub

Author:
Rikky Falantino
Hanging Gardens and Honeycomb Structure in a Sustainable Urban Community Hub

Project in-detail

A series of hanging gardens supported by a honeycomb structure defines a sustainable community hub in Tokyo, designed to foster social interaction and access to educational resources.
5 key facts about this project
01
Hanging gardens are strategically integrated throughout the structure, enhancing biodiversity and user experience.
02
The honeycomb structure provides improved seismic resilience suitable for Tokyo's earthquake-prone environment.
03
Extensive use of cross-laminated timber panels contributes to sustainable construction practices and reduced carbon footprint.
04
A fluid layout encourages flexible use of spaces, allowing for a variety of community activities and engagement.
05
The design incorporates large glass sections to maximize natural light and foster a strong connection with the urban landscape.

### Overview
The project is located in Tokyo, Japan, in a densely populated urban area characterized by a mix of traditional and contemporary influences. Its design is intended to resonate with the cultural context of the city while addressing its specific environmental and social dynamics. The architecture aims to serve as a cultural hub that encourages community interaction and engagement through its various programs and spaces.

### Spatial Strategy
The architectural configuration emphasizes connectivity at both social and spatial levels. Designed to facilitate community interaction, the building incorporates multiple levels and flexible spaces that can adapt to various uses, including libraries, computer labs, and multipurpose halls. The ground floor serves as a public forum, featuring amenities such as cafes and workshops, thereby enhancing accessibility and encouraging engagement with the surrounding community. Innovative staircases connect the different levels, promoting movement while adding a sculptural quality to the interior.

### Material & Structural Considerations
The design employs a diverse palette of materials to balance strength, transparency, and resilience. A structural framework of steel beams provides stability, while expansive glass facades allow natural light to permeate the interior, seamlessly blending indoor spaces with the urban environment. The use of concrete not only contributes to the building's aesthetic but also reinforces its structural integrity. An innovative honeycomb flooring system enhances earthquake resilience, allowing for adaptable configurations in response to emergencies. Additional features include metal chains that support hanging gardens, which promote biodiversity and create inviting interstitial spaces for relaxation and social 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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