Get inspired!

16,979 architecture projects

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

Recycled Plastic Lumber and Sustainable Wood Composite Create Community-Centric Living in Japan

Authors:
Răzvan Rusu, Răzvan Mureșan, Emanuela-iuliana Dîrleci, Reem Mozrani
Recycled Plastic Lumber and Sustainable Wood Composite Create Community-Centric Living in Japan

Project in-detail

Utilizing recycled plastic lumber and wood composite, the architectural design fosters community interaction while providing resilient housing in a disaster-affected area of Japan.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes recycled plastic lumber to enhance sustainability and reduce environmental impact.
02
Incorporates wood plastic composite for durability and low maintenance needs.
03
Features a community-centric design with integrated shared courtyards for social interaction.
04
Optimizes natural light and ventilation through strategic building orientation and overhangs.
05
Adopts traditional Japanese construction techniques alongside modern material applications.
Fushi House is an architectural design project located in Nimae, Tohoku Prefecture, Japan. This initiative aims to revitalize a community impacted by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami by integrating sustainable practices in housing design. The project comprises a series of living units that facilitate social interactions while prioritizing environmental responsibility through careful material selection and spatial organization.

Community-Oriented Design and Integration with Nature

Fushi House promotes a communal living atmosphere through its arrangement of duplexes and row houses. The architectural design intentionally utilizes shared courtyards and walkable pathways, encouraging neighborly interaction and enhancing the neighborhood's social fabric. This layout not only fosters community ties but also embraces natural elements, allowing abundant sunlight and ventilation into the living areas. The design incorporates extended overhangs and balconies to create shaded outdoor spaces, further connecting residents with their environment.

Sustainable Material Use and Innovative Practices

The project emphasizes the use of sustainable materials, such as recycled plastic lumber (RPL) and wood plastic composite (WPC). RPL is sourced from post-consumer plastic waste and offers durability while minimizing environmental impact. WPC combines recycled wood fibers and plastic, providing resilient structures with low maintenance needs. The design also features recycled aluminum for window frames and integrates efficient wood placement strategies to reduce waste, aligning with traditional Japanese building techniques. These sustainable practices set Fushi House apart from many conventional housing projects by prioritizing environmental considerations.

Functional and Adaptive Architectural Solutions

The architectural design of Fushi House caters to diverse family sizes and lifestyles, offering adaptability while ensuring comfort. The layout permits various arrangements of living spaces, addressing individual and communal needs. Each home is designed to optimize natural light and airflow, ensuring a pleasant living experience. By focusing on both function and aesthetics, the project presents a comprehensive approach to modern housing while contemplating the lessons learned from past disasters.

For further insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas behind Fushi House, we encourage readers to explore the project's detailed presentation, showcasing the innovative approaches and thoughtful considerations embedded in its architecture.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 16,979 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