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Transparent Facade Merging Glass and Concrete with Natural Wood Elements for Cultural Engagement

Authors:
Alireza Esfandiari, Hilda Houshdar Tehrani
Transparent Facade Merging Glass and Concrete with Natural Wood Elements for Cultural Engagement

Project in-detail

A seamless fusion of glass and concrete with warm wooden accents defines a space designed to foster cultural engagement and academic collaboration in the heart of Tokyo.
5 key facts about this project
01
A bent A-frame structure enhances the overall aesthetic and stability of the building.
02
Extensive use of cross-laminated timber panels contributes to sustainability and acoustic performance.
03
The facade combines glass with charred wooden shingles for a dynamic visual contrast.
04
Strategic landscaping integrates greenery throughout the space, promoting a connection with nature.
05
Open circulation routes facilitate seamless movement and interaction between diverse areas.

### Overview

Located in central Tokyo, the Tokyo International Popular Culture Laboratory is an architectural intervention designed to facilitate social interaction and community engagement among students. The intent is to create a conducive atmosphere for educational pursuits while promoting accessibility and connectivity with the urban surroundings. The building's design reflects a thoughtful consideration of how architectural spaces can foster relationships among individuals within a vibrant cultural context.

### Spatial Connectivity

The layout emphasizes a circulation route that integrates the building with the bustling streets, enhancing pedestrian movement and engagement. By positioning the building to connect two busy thoroughfares, it invites public interaction, encouraging an immersive experience with pop culture exhibitions. The open interior promotes visibility and accessibility, allowing for intuitive navigation and varied engagement opportunities for both students and the public.

### Material Selection

The use of materials within the laboratory is intentional and varied. The predominant glass façade enhances natural light entry, establishing a visual dialogue between the interior and exterior environments. Concrete offers structural integrity while providing a stark contrast to the transparency of glass, symbolizing the steadfast nature of education amidst the dynamic cultural landscape. Wooden elements, featured in seating areas, add warmth, while subtle metal accents contribute to contemporary sophistication. The integration of greenery throughout the design not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also reinforces commitments to sustainability and environmental consciousness. These materials collectively support the laboratory's mission of promoting a vibrant and interactive educational experience.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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