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Rooftop Gardens and Natural Light in A Community-Focused Structure of Concrete and Wood

Authors:
Kenta Ishizu, Kensuke Enomoto, Haruki Hayata, Rikuto Oshima
Rooftop Gardens and Natural Light in A Community-Focused Structure of Concrete and Wood

Project in-detail

Rooftop gardens entwined with large glass panels create an abundance of natural light within a durable concrete and wood structure designed to foster community engagement among elderly residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rooftop gardens provide green space for social interaction and leisure activities.
02
Large glass panels enhance natural light and visual connectivity with the surroundings.
03
Flexible living units allow for various configurations to meet resident needs.
04
Timber cladding incorporates sustainably sourced materials for warmth and aesthetics.
05
Community areas include multipurpose spaces designed specifically for intergenerational engagement.

## Overview

Located in the Sumida district of Tokyo, this architectural initiative addresses the issue of elderly isolation within dense urban settings. The design is centered around the creation of a community that nurtures interaction among elderly residents and encourages engagement with intergenerational populations. The project integrates residential and communal spaces to promote social connectivity and enhance the quality of life for its residents.

## Spatial Configuration

The layout incorporates a comprehensive zoning strategy, featuring diverse residential options. Private living units offer autonomy, while shared accommodations create a blend of personal and communal living. Key communal facilities, including a café, gardens, and workshops, facilitate a range of activities—from culinary workshops to community discussions—enhancing social interaction among residents. The design also incorporates green spaces that interweave with the surrounding landscape, fostering community gardens and recreational areas.

## Materiality and Architectural Features

The project employs a strategic selection of materials to balance aesthetics and functionality. Concrete serves as the primary structural element, providing durability and sound insulation. Wood features prominently in the exterior cladding, lending warmth and sustainability, while large glass panels enhance natural lighting and connections with the exterior environment. Distinct architectural features include rooftop gardens, which offer residents outdoor space with views of the Tokyo Skytree, and social hubs like the multifunctional café, designed to serve as focal points for community interaction. Adaptable floor plans cater to a variety of resident needs, ensuring that the environment is supportive and accommodating for all.

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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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