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Textile Membrane Facade and Modular Spaces Foster Community Engagement in Suburban Tokyo

Author:
Paul Mak
Textile Membrane Facade and Modular Spaces Foster Community Engagement in Suburban Tokyo

Project in-detail

A façade of composite textile membranes envelops modular spaces designed for flexibility and social interaction, creating a community hub that seamlessly integrates into suburban Tokyo.
5 key facts about this project
01
A façade of composite textile membranes adapts to changing light conditions, enhancing user experience.
02
Modular interior spaces allow for seamless reconfiguration for multiple functions.
03
Strategically recessed areas provide panoramic views of the surrounding urban landscape.
04
The structure maximizes ground-level accessibility to foster pedestrian engagement.
05
Sustainable materials, including recycled fabrics and glass, emphasize environmental responsibility.

## Project Overview
**Title:** The Hive
**Location:** Suburban Tokyo, Japan
The Hive is a community-focused structure designed to serve as a multifunctional hub, promoting public engagement and versatility in its programming. Aiming to counter urban sprawl, the design emphasizes interaction and social connectivity, integrating a range of public functions within its architecture.

## Spatial Configuration and User Experience
The spatial layout of The Hive is organized across multiple levels, each dedicated to distinct user needs. Key areas include a public lecture theater and café, accommodating up to 300 individuals for community events, alongside flexible gathering spaces designed for both spontaneous and curated activities. Additionally, dedicated office and conference areas facilitate professional collaboration, while library and study spaces create an environment conducive to learning and reflection. Vertical circulation is strategically designed to separate public and service pathways, enhancing accessibility and efficient movement throughout the building.

## Material Selection and Sustainability
The building's façade utilizes composite architectural textile membranes, incorporating recycled fabrics and glass to align with sustainable design principles. This material choice not only ensures lightweight structural integrity but also allows for adaptive response to varying light conditions, enriching the interior atmosphere. Alongside concrete used in interior spaces and steel framing for structural support, these materials contribute to an eco-conscious approach that reinforces The Hive's integration within its suburban context.

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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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