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Harnessing Kinetic Energy Through Piezoelectric Flooring in a Glass-Encased Urban Hub

Author:
Kevin Steffen
Harnessing Kinetic Energy Through Piezoelectric Flooring in a Glass-Encased Urban Hub

Project in-detail

Piezoelectric flooring captures kinetic energy from pedestrian traffic in a glass-encased structure that combines restaurants, offices, and leisure spaces, serving as a modern urban hub in Tokyo.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes piezoelectric flooring to generate energy from pedestrian movement.
02
Designed as a mixed-use facility with designated areas for dining, fitness, and nightlife.
03
Integrated green spaces and garden balconies enhance environmental quality.
04
Features a modern glass façade for maximum natural light and visual connectivity.
05
Located in the high-traffic Shinjuku district, tapping into urban dynamics.

The design situated in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo integrates energy generation with urban living. Positioned in a busy area that sees around 3.64 million daily commuters, it takes advantage of the constant foot traffic to create an innovative approach to sustainability. The overall design promotes a modern look while fostering social interaction through various functional spaces.

Energy Generation

The core idea relies on piezoelectric flooring, which transforms the energy from footsteps into electrical power. This technology not only helps meet the building's energy needs but also represents an effective use of the pedestrian traffic flowing through the area. By incorporating this flooring throughout the pathways, the design emphasizes sustainability as a practical part of daily life.

Functional Zoning

The building is organized into distinct areas, with the lower levels dedicated to commercial activities like restaurants and a fitness center. This thoughtful arrangement encourages both local residents and visitors to engage with the space. The upper levels focus on leisure and work, housing offices, bars, and clubs. This mix of uses ensures that the structure serves as a vibrant center for various activities, enhancing community life.

Architectural Form

Visually, the design features a modern style characterized by a glass exterior. This choice allows natural light to fill the interior spaces, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. The transparency of the façade connects the building to its surroundings, promoting interaction between the occupants and the urban environment.

Green Integration

The project also incorporates green spaces and garden balconies, adding natural elements to the urban setting. These features enhance the building’s aesthetics while supporting local biodiversity and improving the outdoor microclimate. The inclusion of these natural areas invites occupants to enjoy their environment in a city predominantly defined by concrete.

Detailed elevations on all sides showcase how the building interacts with nearby structures and the skyline. The thoughtful layout of various floor plans reflects a clear vision for functional use and movement within the space, culminating in a design that serves the needs of a diverse urban 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

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