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Translucent Roof and Mosaic Facade in a Community-Centric Cultural Laboratory

Authors:
Yulia Sisoeva, Kitchenko Dmitriy
Translucent Roof and Mosaic Facade in a Community-Centric Cultural Laboratory

Project in-detail

With a mosaic facade and a translucent roof that invites natural light, the design serves as a versatile cultural laboratory fostering community engagement and creativity in the heart of Tokyo.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mosaic tiles on the facade reflect traditional Japanese textile patterns while incorporating vibrant contemporary colors.
02
The translucent roof design allows natural light to filter throughout, enhancing the interior's atmosphere.
03
Curvaceous structural forms create a unique visual identity while promoting efficient spatial flow.
04
A flexible layout supports varied community activities, ensuring adaptability to changing needs.
05
Integration of steel and timber showcases a blend of modern durability with traditional warmth.

### Overview

Located in Okubo, Tokyo, the Pokkuri House serves as the International Popular Culture Laboratory, fostering cultural exchange and community engagement. By integrating traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary pop art influences, the design creates a vibrant environment intended for creativity and innovation. The building not only functions as a versatile space for various activities but also seeks to rejuvenate the dialogue between historical and modern cultural practices.

### Spatial Configuration and Connectivity

The multipurpose layout of the Pokkuri House is organized across four floors, with each level dedicated to specific functions that facilitate interaction among visitors. The first floor features an exhibition hall, a café, and restrooms, offering immediate access to the public. The second floor accommodates open design studios and recreational areas, reflecting an adaptive use of space. The upper floors include a library, conference room, and a large forum designed to host 300 individuals, demonstrating a robust spatial strategy that promotes both individual study and community activities. This thoughtful arrangement ensures a logical flow between private and communal areas, enhancing user experience and accessibility throughout the facility.

### Material Selection and Aesthetic Integration

The architectural elements reflect a balance between tradition and modernity, utilizing distinctive materials that honor Japanese cultural heritage while embracing contemporary methods. The building's curvilinear forms and colorful mosaic tile façade echo traditional Japanese textiles, creating a playful visual identity. The structural framework, which combines steel and reinforced concrete with traditional timber finishes, underscores durability while offering a warm aesthetic. The roof design, featuring translucent components, allows natural light to permeate interior spaces, enhancing the atmosphere of creativity. This materiality not only reinforces the building's structural integrity but also aligns with its mission to serve as a cultural beacon, connecting past and present through 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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