Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Wood and Steel Integration Creating Community Connections in the Heart of Shimokitazawa

Author:
Desiree Castillo
Wood and Steel Integration Creating Community Connections in the Heart of Shimokitazawa

Project in-detail

With a thoughtful blend of stainless steel and local wood, the design fosters community engagement through flexible indoor and outdoor spaces in Shimokitazawa, serving as a hub for social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates stainless steel and local wood for a modern yet warm aesthetic.
02
Designed to facilitate fluid movement between indoor and outdoor areas.
03
Adapts to various community events and gatherings through flexible space.
04
Emphasizes accessibility to encourage inclusive interactions among users.
05
Reflects the local context of Shimokitazawa in both form and function.

Silent Intersection is located in the lively neighborhood of Shimokitazawa. The design merges private and communal areas to enhance community interaction and functional usage. The overall concept emphasizes accessibility and fluidity, creating an environment that encourages exploration and engagement among users.

Materiality

The project uses stainless steel for its vertical components, which adds a modern look and durability. This choice of material creates a sleek exterior that stands in contrast to the warmth of local wood used horizontally, reinforcing the connection to the surrounding community.

Design Features

Silent Intersection focuses on creating a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. This layout allows easy movement and connection, making it simple for users to go from one area to another. The addition of wood flooring and seats promotes an inviting atmosphere, encouraging comfortable engagement in both private and communal settings.

Structural Integration

The design includes a stainless steel roof that contributes to the building's modern appearance while providing strength. This element works well with the overall aesthetic, ensuring that the structure is functional and visually consistent with the urban environment.

The careful mix of materials and design elements creates a unique spatial experience. The flow between spaces fosters social interaction and a sense of community in this bustling neighborhood, making it a welcoming place for all who visit.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
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 17,725 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