Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Translucent Glass Facade With Natural Stone Accents in a Community-Centric Gathering Space

Authors:
Wong KaYan, Ho HinWing
Translucent Glass Facade With Natural Stone Accents in a Community-Centric Gathering Space

Project in-detail

A translucent glass facade envelops a vibrant community hub, enhanced by natural stone accents and designed to facilitate cultural exchange and social interactions.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building features a translucent glass facade that enhances natural light while maintaining privacy.
02
It incorporates a bent A-frame design, optimizing structural stability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are used to promote sustainability and efficient construction methods.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide a distinct texture and fire-resistant quality.
05
The layout is designed to facilitate community engagement, with flexible spaces for exhibitions and workshops.
The "Cultural Origin" project located in Tokyo exemplifies a cohesive approach to architecture that emphasizes cultural dialogue and community interaction. This architectural design stands out by creating an engaging space where users can explore and reflect on popular culture. The building functions as a cultural laboratory, offering a platform for exhibitions, community gatherings, and educational events. With its focus on collaboration and the sharing of cultural narratives, the project seeks to foster connections among people from diverse backgrounds.

At the heart of the project is the concept of dialogue, represented through various spatial configurations intended to promote interaction. Each area within the building serves distinct functions while visually and physically connecting to the surrounding environment. The thoughtful organization of spaces encompasses an arrival area, a café and offices, exhibition halls, lecture rooms, and a library. This layout is designed to facilitate casual encounters and vibrant discussions, establishing an atmosphere conducive to learning and cultural exchange.

Key architectural elements play a significant role in defining the project's character. The extensive use of glass in the facades enhances transparency, allowing natural light to permeate the interior. This not only creates a bright, inviting atmosphere but also encourages visual connections between the inside and outside, breaking down barriers and making the space feel open and accessible to the community. Complementing the glass are sturdy concrete and steel elements, providing structural integrity while ensuring that the aesthetics remain modern and grounded. The choice of wood adds warmth and texture, fostering a sense of comfort in communal areas.

The dynamic design strategies employed in this project highlight the importance of light and shadow, enriching the experience for visitors. The manipulation of natural light serves to enliven the interior spaces throughout the day, enhancing art exhibitions while creating varying moods that align with the activities taking place. The inclusion of natural stone in specific areas connects the architecture with local context, offering a tactile and enduring quality that enhances the overall design.

One of the project’s unique attributes is its commitment to community engagement. By designing spaces that cater to various forms of interaction, the architecture encourages participation and collaboration among users. This approach not only enriches the cultural experience but also invites diverse voices into the narrative, making it a holistic cultural space. The innovative "Cultural Laboratory" concept allows for flexibility in how the space is utilized, accommodating everything from workshops to pop-up exhibits, ensuring continuous relevance to the community.

Additionally, the integration of nature into the design is a vital aspect that enhances the overall experience. The project incorporates outdoor elements such as greenery, natural ventilation, and water features that serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. These features create a serene environment, allowing visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life while remaining connected to the natural world.

The "Cultural Origin" project in Tokyo stands as an exemplary model of how architecture can facilitate meaningful dialogue and cultural exploration. By bringing together various design elements, materials, and spatial configurations, the project succeeds in creating a vibrant hub for community interaction. The design thoughtfully considers how users engage with the space, embodying a forward-thinking approach that reflects the needs of a diverse audience. Those interested in exploring architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs related to this project are encouraged to delve deeper into its presentation for a more comprehensive understanding of the innovative ideas that underpin this cultural landmark.
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