Applications Open for the "1st Japan Eco Architecture Award" – Seeking Buildings that Combine Decarbonization with Regional and Social Issue Resolution

The housing professional magazine 'Kenchiku Chishiki Builders' (published by X-Knowledge Co., Ltd.) has established a new contest, the "1st Japan Eco Architecture Award," to honor architectural examples that achieve both decarbonization and the resolution of regional and social issues, and has commenced accepting applications. The "Japan Eco Architecture Award" is a practical case contest targeting non-residential buildings with a total floor area of 1,000㎡ or less. It broadly seeks small-scale buildings, such as stores, offices, lodging facilities, educational/welfare facilities, community hubs, and mixed-use buildings, that possess both environmental performance and social characteristics. This award is a new initiative, separating the "Small-Scale Facilities Division" which was previously conducted as part of the "Japan Eco-House Award." In recent years, the architectural field has been required to adopt diverse perspectives, in addition to decarbonization efforts such as improving energy efficiency and utilizing renewable energy, including the utilization of regional resources, revitalization of local communities, the well-being of workers and users, and business sustainability. Small-scale architecture, in particular, is closely related to local living, industries, and urban development, making it an area where architectural ingenuity can have a direct impact on society and the region. The Japan Eco Architecture Award not only competes on the level of environmental performance but also comprehensively evaluates what value architecture creates for the region and society. The judging emphasizes environmental performance, well-being, regional circulation, planning and business viability, and design/spatial quality. We will discover and disseminate excellent case studies that demonstrate the ideal form of architecture for the coming era. Through this award, 'Kenchiku Chishiki Builders' aims to contribute to the realization of a decarbonized society and widely share new possibilities for regionally-rooted architecture. The "Japan Eco Architecture Award" was established in 2026. Excellent architectural examples are being sought nationwide. ## Overview of the Event The theme for the first award is "Eco-Architecture that Enriches Regions." We will comprehensively evaluate architecture suitable for the coming era, including not only environmental performance but also user well-being, utilization of regional resources, business viability, and architectural appeal and beauty. ## Application Guidelines **Eligibility:** Architectural practitioners such as local construction companies, builders, design offices, house manufacturers, and renovation companies. **Target Buildings:** Buildings completed after January 2022, excluding private residences, with a total floor area of 1000㎡ or less. This includes rental housing, regional development (subdivision, spec homes, row houses, etc.), lodging facilities, offices, educational facilities, clinics, and other projects or buildings with business sustainability. **Application Deadlines:** - Entry application deadline: July 3, 2026 (Friday) - Application material submission deadline: July 10, 2026 (Friday) **Judging Process:** Document screening / Design review / Nomination announcement / Final judging (public judging at JAPAN ECOHOUSE BIG SHOW ) / Symposium & Award Ceremony. ## Judges - Masayuki Mae, Associate Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo - Yoshihiko Oshima, Creative Director, Blue Studio - Tsukasa Nishida, Architect ## Evaluation Criteria - 1: Environmental performance - 2: Well-being - 3: Regional circulation - 4: Planning and business viability - 5: Appeal and beauty ## Main Awards - Grand Prize - Excellence Award - Sponsoring Company Award - Special Award ## Sponsors - Asahi Kasei Construction Materials - DECOS - Marvex - LIXIL - YKK AP Official Website: https://ecoken-award.jp/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/japanecohouseaward/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556584044475