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Translucent Glass Façade Embracing Natural Landscape in a Community-Centric Cultural Hub

Authors:
Wong KaYan, Ho HinWing
Translucent Glass Façade Embracing Natural Landscape in a Community-Centric Cultural Hub

Project in-detail

A translucent glass façade harmonizes with a carefully designed natural landscape, creating a community-centric cultural hub that fosters interaction and cultural exchange.
5 key facts about this project
01
A unique bent A-frame design maximizes interior space while enhancing structural aesthetics.
02
Translucent glass panels facilitate natural light while connecting indoor and outdoor environments.
03
Charred wooden shingles offer a sustainable material choice that enhances durability and visual appeal.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels reduce carbon footprint while providing structural strength.
05
Landscaped water features integrate nature into the project, enhancing user experience and environmental sensitivity.

**Cultural Origin, Tokyo PopLab**

The Cultural Origin building, located in Tokyo, serves as a cultural laboratory designed to engage with the complexities of popular culture through a modern architectural lens. The design merges traditional Japanese influences with contemporary practices, aiming to facilitate dialogue and interaction among a diverse range of cultural narratives. The underlying philosophy incorporates the concepts of "Chado" (the way of tea) and "Ichi-go Ichi-e" (one meeting, one chance) to emphasize the significance of unique interactions and the sharing of cultural experiences.

**Spatial Organization and User Engagement**
The floor plan includes a variety of spaces to accommodate community activities, including an exhibition area, workshop facilities, lecture rooms, and zones for social interaction, such as a café and forum. Each area is crafted to foster participation and encourage the exchange of ideas, thereby promoting inclusivity among various groups. The strategic layout enables seamless movement throughout the building while supporting its dual role as a cultural hub and a practical venue for organized events.

**Material and Environmental Integration**
The design employs a selection of materials to enhance both aesthetic value and functionality. Glass, utilized prominently in the façade, provides transparency and connects the interior with the exterior environment, allowing natural light to permeate the space. Complementary materials such as steel, concrete, and wood add structural stability and warmth, respectively. The incorporation of natural landscaping elements further enhances the building’s relationship with nature, while the careful consideration of light and shadow throughout the interior fosters a dynamic atmosphere that adapts to the changing environment. The design reflects a commitment to sustainability and encourages a deeper connection between the community and cultural initiatives.

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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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