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Reflective Glass and Water Features Enhance Public Space Experience

Author:
Matteo Legnani
Reflective Glass and Water Features Enhance Public Space Experience

Project in-detail

A combination of reflective glass panels and an indoor water wall creates a serene atmosphere that enhances the public space's functionality and user engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective glass panels enhance natural lighting and visibility.
02
Wood panels provide thermal insulation and a warm aesthetic.
03
An indoor water wall creates a calming auditory experience.
04
Sliding doors utilize rubber and plastic gaskets for smooth operation.
05
Wooden folding seats optimize space without sacrificing comfort.

The design situated in Tokyo Dome features a contemporary approach that emphasizes functionality and user experience. The setting plays a key role in shaping the architecture, which is designed for varied uses. With a clear focus on materiality and spatial dynamics, the overall concept fosters a balanced relationship between the built environment and its surroundings.

Materials and Structural Elements

Reflective glass panels, measuring 20 mm thick, dominate the exterior facade. These panels create a strong connection to the environment, allowing natural light to flow into the space. The reflective surfaces illuminate the interiors and help reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day, supporting energy efficiency.

The exterior also incorporates wood panels, sized at 600 x 120 mm and 20 mm in thickness. The warmth and texture of the wood contrast with the glass, bringing a natural element into the design. This choice fosters a dialogue between the modern structure and its urban surroundings, enriching the overall aesthetic.

Insulating panels, covered with a vapor barrier and varying in dimensions with a thickness of 80/40 mm, enhance the thermal performance of the building. These panels help regulate indoor climate by minimizing moisture, contributing to a comfortable environment for occupants throughout the year.

A notable feature is the water wall, which serves as an indoor backlit fountain. This element adds a sensory layer to the space, combining visual appeal with soothing sounds of flowing water. It establishes a calming atmosphere that links the interior to nature, providing a respite from the bustling urban context.

Among the practical aspects of the design, there are wooden folding seats mounted on the wall. They offer seating that is both functional and space-efficient, maintaining a clean appearance in the interior. This detail reflects a thoughtful consideration of user needs, merging utility with an elegant design.

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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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