Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Reflective Glass and Charred Wood Envelop a Cultural Hub in Urban Japan

Author:
Matteo Legnani
Reflective Glass and Charred Wood Envelop a Cultural Hub in Urban Japan

Project in-detail

Reflective glass harmonizes with charred wooden shingles to create a contemporary community hub that embraces cultural heritage while fostering social interaction in the heart of urban Japan.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates reflective glass that adjusts visually with changing daylight, enhancing the building's integration with its surroundings.
02
Charred wooden shingles are used not only for aesthetics but also for their enhanced durability and fire resistance.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are employed to provide structural stability while minimizing the project’s carbon footprint.
04
The bent A-frame design allows for optimal natural light penetration, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
05
Public spaces are strategically designed to encourage community interaction, emphasizing the cultural significance of social engagement in urban settings.
This architectural project encapsulates a thoughtful integration of traditional Japanese design elements with contemporary architectural innovation, situated in an urban environment like Tokyo. The design serves not only as a functional space but also as a cultural dialogue that bridges the past with the present. It represents a commitment to preserving heritage while accommodating the needs of modern society.

The essence of this project lies in its multifaceted functionality, designed to serve as a community hub that facilitates social interaction, contemplation, and cultural engagement. Its architectural layout includes designated areas for public gatherings, quiet reflection, and active participation, ensuring that the space is both inclusive and versatile. The design promotes interaction among visitors, encouraging a sense of belonging and fostering community relationships.

A notable aspect of this project is the thoughtful juxtaposition of the traditional temple structure, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of Japan, with a sleek, modern design that employs advanced materials. The temple's elements, such as the characteristic tiered roof and intricate eaves, serve to ground the project in its cultural context. The modern intervention is designed with reflective glass panels that allow the structure to respond to the surrounding environment. This transparency creates a visual connection with nature and the urban landscape while maintaining an inviting presence.

The project employs a range of materials, each selected for its aesthetic and functional properties. The use of reflective glass prominently contributes to the building's interaction with light and landscape, providing a dynamic surface that changes with the time of day and weather conditions. External wooden panels offer a warm contrast to the glass, embracing traditional craftsmanship and inviting a tactile quality to the modern design. Additionally, insulating panels are incorporated within the structure to enhance energy efficiency, underscoring a commitment to sustainable practices.

The architectural plans reveal a strategic spatial organization that prioritizes user movement and experience. Elevated views showcase the verticality of the design, allowing the relationship between the traditional and modern components to be easily discerned. Architectural sections provide insights into how spaces connect, highlighting circulation routes and the accessibility of various areas. This organization supports an intuitive flow, directing visitors through the different zones of the project while fostering opportunities for spontaneous interaction.

Unique design approaches are evident in this project, particularly in how it celebrates the cultural backdrop of its location while serving contemporary purposes. The blending of traditional and modern elements reflects a broader architectural idea that values history and innovation alike. This not only enriches the user experience but also creates a lasting legacy that resonates with both local residents and visitors alike.

Incorporating these thoughtful elements strengthens the project’s role as a community landmark, while its sustainability features and modern materials showcase a progressive architectural ethos. The careful consideration of cultural nuances alongside contemporary design techniques positions this project as a notable example of how architecture can adapt to contemporary needs while honoring the past.

For readers interested in delving deeper into the architectural nuances of this project, a close examination of the architectural plans, sections, and overall designs is encouraged. This exploration will yield further insights into the innovative ideas that shaped this remarkable architectural endeavor.
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 16544 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