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Vibrant Modular Spaces Enhanced by Cross-Laminated Timber and Green Landscaping

Authors:
Jgor Peduzzi, Stefania Barbarotto
Vibrant Modular Spaces Enhanced by Cross-Laminated Timber and Green Landscaping

Project in-detail

Constructed with colorful modular elements and embracing cross-laminated timber, the facility serves as a flexible cultural hub designed for community engagement and artistic expression.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a vibrant color palette, enhancing visual interaction with the urban context.
02
Integrates extensive use of cross-laminated timber for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features charred wooden shingles, promoting fire resistance and an appealing aesthetic.
04
Incorporates adaptable spaces with movable partitions for versatile functionality.
05
Includes landscaped outdoor areas that seamlessly connect indoor and natural environments.

**Overview**
Situated in the bustling urban fabric of Tokyo, Japan, the Tokyo Pop Lab integrates innovative design with functional spaces that facilitate engagement, creativity, and exploration. Designed as a cultural hub, the project reflects contemporary architectural aesthetics and sustainability practices within a vibrant metropolis, aiming to serve as a venue for diverse community activities.

**Spatial Organization and User Experience**
The layout of the Tokyo Pop Lab is strategically arranged across multiple levels, featuring distinct spaces tailored for various uses. The exhibition hall is designed with flexible configurations to accommodate a range of events, while the library promotes learning and contemplation through an open and accessible environment. Social interaction is fostered in the café and foyer areas, which serve as central gathering spaces for visitors. Circulation routes are purposefully planned with wide walkways and clear sightlines, facilitating seamless movement throughout the facility. The integration of outdoor spaces, including gardens and terraces, enhances the connection between the built environment and nature.

**Materiality and Sustainable Design**
The material palette is carefully selected for both aesthetic and functional attributes. Concrete functions as the primary structural element, providing durability and support for sculptural forms. Glass is used extensively in the facades to maximize natural light and promote transparency. Structural steel elements contribute a contemporary character, while the inclusion of vegetation throughout the design enhances aesthetics and promotes sustainability by improving air quality and fostering urban biodiversity. This diverse assembly of materials underlines the project’s commitment to innovative and responsible design practices.

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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

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