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Layered Horizons: Replicating History with Post-and-Beam Construction and Naturally-Lit Spaces

Authors:
Kelvin Hu, Roa Kim
Layered Horizons: Replicating History with Post-and-Beam Construction and Naturally-Lit Spaces

Project in-detail

Layered architectural elements utilizing post-and-beam construction and expansive glass facades seamlessly blend historical narratives with contemporary design, creating a community space that encourages interaction and connection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes an innovative bent A-frame design for enhanced structural integrity.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for improved durability and fire resistance.
03
Integrates cross-laminated timber panels to reduce environmental impact.
04
Features layered architectural elements to reflect historical narratives.
05
Includes large glass facades to maximize natural light and connectivity to surroundings.

**Overview**
Located in Tokyo, Japan, the project examines the relationship between historical preservation and contemporary construction techniques. It aims to foster an ongoing dialogue between past architectural practices and modern innovative methods. By prioritizing a design philosophy that integrates elements of historical significance with new structural forms, the project seeks to reflect the evolving nature of architecture within an urban context.

**Cyclic Nature and Replicative Strategy**
The design conceptualizes architecture as an ongoing cycle in which each new structure honors and reinterprets its predecessors. The horizontal skyscraper form symbolizes this relationship, integrating various historical architectural styles into a cohesive narrative. This replicative strategy values architectural copies and reinterpretations as essential practices in preserving the historical continuum while allowing for contemporary expression.

**Material Selection and Sustainability**
The project employs an assorted range of materials purposefully chosen to enhance both the integrity and aesthetic quality of the design. Concrete provides durability; glass fosters transparency and natural light; steel introduces structural flexibility; and wood pays homage to traditional Japanese craftsmanship. These materials support the dual aims of innovation and sustainability, potentially incorporating energy-efficient systems and green roofs to create a functional yet historically resonant environment.

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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
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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
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