Application Period Opens for the "10th Japan Ecohouse Award," a Contest Gathering Top Talents in the Housing Industry

The architectural specialty magazine "Kenchiku Chishiki Builders" (published by X-Knowledge) has begun accepting applications for the "10th Japan Ecohouse Award," which honors outstanding housing examples that achieve both high energy-saving performance and excellent design. The Japan Ecohouse Award was established in 2015 as a contest to recognize superior energy-efficient homes, and this year marks its 10th anniversary. Its distinctive feature is a comprehensive evaluation that includes not only technical aspects such as a home's insulation, airtightness, energy performance, and thermal environment, but also design, quality of life, regional characteristics, and the philosophy of the designers. This award has highlighted the efforts of many excellent designers, builders, and housing companies. As the widespread adoption of high-performance homes progresses, the existence of creators who meticulously design not only performance but also quality of life, spatial appeal, and connection with the region is becoming increasingly important. It also serves as a platform for these skilled creators to re-examine their work and compete with colleagues nationwide. The emergence of new perspectives and connections through submitted works, regardless of whether they receive an award, is another significant appeal of this contest. Celebrating its 10th milestone this year, the Japan Ecohouse Award is recruiting housing examples nationwide that combine high energy-saving performance and design. We are looking for excellent housing examples that lead the future of Japanese home building: designs that enrich the lives of residents while enhancing insulation, airtightness, and energy efficiency; passive designs that interpret local climate and leverage natural forces; and beautiful homes that can be lived in for a long time. The Japan Ecohouse Award is a design example contest that honors beautiful homes in the decarbonization era.

* **Outline of the Event**
The theme for the 10th award is "How to Create an Ecohouse that Enriches the Region." In addition to energy performance, homes will be comprehensively evaluated based on design that responds to the region and surrounding environment, utilization of natural energy, comfort, seismic resistance, maintenance, and consideration for the landscape.

* **Application Guidelines**
Application Divisions: New Construction / Renovation / Model House & Owner's Home Divisions
Eligibility: Building practitioners such as local builders, designers, house manufacturers, and renovation companies.
Target Homes: Homes in Japan completed or renovated since January 2022.
Application Deadlines: Entry application deadline: Saturday, June 20, 2026; Application material submission deadline: Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
Judging Process: Document screening / Design review / Nomination announcement / Final review (public judging at JAPAN ECOHOUSE BIG SHOW〈JEB〉) / Symposium & Awards Ceremony.

* **Judges**
Satoshi Irei / Architect
Masayuki Mae / Associate Professor, University of Tokyo
Fumiko Misawa / Architect
Minoru Sato / Representative, M's Structural Design
Takashi Sato / Representative, Sato Komuten

* **Evaluation Criteria**
1: Proposal for energy-saving homes in the decarbonization era
2: Passive design adapted to the region and surrounding environment
3: Proposal for energy creation utilizing natural energy
4: New attempts and challenges
5: Plans that consider comfort and ease of living
6: Ensuring seismic resistance for long-term habitation
7: Universal beauty achieved through mutual consideration
8: Ideas for longevity and maintenance proposals

* **Main Awards**
Best Award per division / Excellence Award per division / Grand Prix / Sponsor Award / Special Award / Local Government Award

* **Endorsement**
Sapporo City

* **Sponsors**
Asahi Kasei Kenza / Glass Fiber Association / Yoyo / Nihon Borate / Marvex / LIXIL
Official Website: https://builders-ecohouse.jp/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/japanecohouseaward/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556584044475