All winners

AIR WATER FOREST

Selected in Architectural design

Climate-Adaptive Interior Design: The building addresses Hokkaido's subarctic humid climate by creating layered microclimate spaces. While traditional buildings in the region use heavy insulation and minimal openings for comfort, this design reconnects interior spaces with nature. It features triple-glazed perimeter windows , central skylights for natural light and ventilation, and radiant air conditioning using groundwater. This creates a gradient of environments , allowing workers to choose their preferred thermal environment based on their mood and work needs. Innovative Wooden Structure: To overcome earthquake resistance limitations with fire-resistant laminated timber, the building introduces Japan's first wooden outer shell structure using diagonal columns and tension rods made from fire-resistant laminated timber (100% Hokkaido larch). This engineering breakthrough enables the use of a predominantly wooden framework. Forest Regeneration and Circular Design: The project addresses Hokkaido's underutilization of domestic timber by increasing wood consumption in construction, promoting forest cycling. A rooftop landscape featuring virgin forest vegetation creates a park-like space for the community. The design further embraces circularity through upcycled furniture made from forest waste and secondary uses for timber scraps, creating a regenerative model that benefits both Hokkaido's natural environment and urban development.

Participant category: Company 100+ employees

Company name: TAKENAKA CORPORATION

Country: JAPAN

Location: Sapporo / Japan

Client: air water hokkaido inc.

Team: Lead Designers : Kazuho Takashima , Jun Kakita Design Team : Takaoki Kaneda , Ryohei Yamazaki , Shuta Nakazawa , Katsuhiko Hirano , Shota Kawahata

Edition: 2026

Project status: Realised

Website: https://www.takenaka.co.jp/takenaka_e/

Photo credits: IKUYA SASAKI