YKK AP Exterior Style Award 2026 Photo Contest to Showcase Creative Next-Generation Exterior Spaces Kicks Off

YKK AP Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Akira Uotsu) launched the "YKK AP Exterior Style Award 2026" on May 11th, commencing the submission period for a photo contest that competes for creative next-generation exterior spaces designed and constructed using YKK AP's exterior products. This year, the previously independent CAD planning contest for exterior design professionals has been integrated into this competition, establishing a new "CAD Design Division." A total of 53 top awards (※) across all seven divisions, including the new division, have been set. The special award "YKK AP Product Total Coordination Award," newly established last time, remains, and encouragement awards have increased to six categories, with new categories such as "Small Lot Area Award" and "Snowy Region Area Award" that respond to regional product demand.

The judging results will be announced at the end of October, and the awards ceremony for the top winners, to be held in early November, is scheduled to take place at "Akasaka Prince Classic House," a Tokyo Metropolitan Designated Tangible Cultural Property characterized by its spire arches.

※Top awards include Grand Prix, Gold Style Award, Silver Style Award, Bronze Style Award, and Freshers Award. Please refer to "Awards and Number of Awards" below for details.

"YKK AP Exterior Style Award" Website
https://www.ykkap.co.jp/info/ex_contest/

■Overview of the Event

The "YKK AP Exterior Style Award" is a photo contest, now in its 16th year, that invites businesses to submit photos of their exterior space designs and construction projects, focusing on creativity in exterior spaces that incorporate consideration for the surrounding environment and future potential, utilizing exterior products. The aim is to improve proposal and design capabilities using exterior products.

The purpose is to evaluate from a third-party perspective whether proposals and designs meet the client's demands, and if they represent excellent construction and technical skills. Through the winning works, we aim to convey the appeal of exterior spaces to many people, leading them to discover comfortable and enriched living.

■Application Guidelines

This contest is open to businesses responsible for designing, constructing, and selling exterior works using YKK AP exterior products. Entries can be submitted via the dedicated website below. For other details, please also refer to the page below.

"YKK AP Exterior Style Award" Website
https://www.ykkap.co.jp/info/ex_contest/

●Application Conditions (※)
① Divisions A-F: Businesses that have designed, constructed, and sold exterior works using YKK AP products.
② Division G: Businesses that have planned and designed using CAD or by hand, incorporating YKK AP products.
③ Projects completed or planned after April 2025.

※We cannot answer inquiries regarding the content of the contest or the progress/status of judging.
※Please obtain permission from the client for your application.
※The copyright of submitted works belongs to our company, and photos, videos, drawings, and attached data will not be returned.
※Submitted works may be used in our catalogs, websites, and other advertising/promotional materials. Please be aware of this in advance.

●Judging Method

The judging committee and YKK AP will comprehensively evaluate based on the following key points:
・The proposal and design meet the client's demands.
・Certain construction standards are maintained, demonstrating excellent technical skill.
・The building and exterior are harmoniously coordinated, creating a beautiful and unified look.
・Consideration is given to the surrounding environment and future potential.
・Creative exterior design, construction, and CAD designs are achieved using YKK AP products.

●Call for Entries

Divisions

【A】 Facade Division (Gateways, Carports)
Works featuring gateways and carports using arches, gate doors, functional gateposts, mailboxes, parcel delivery boxes, fences, carports, gates, lighting, etc., or works where the exterior, landscaping, and building are totally coordinated.

【B】 Garden Division (Garden areas)
Works featuring garden areas using decks, terrace roofs, terrace enclosures, lighting, etc.

【C】 Exterior Renovation Division
Works involving renovation (repair, improvement) or remodeling (reconstruction) of existing homes using gate doors, fences, carports, terrace areas, balconies, balcony roofs, balcony enclosures, sunshades, louvers, etc.

【D】 Detached Housing Streetscape Division
Works involving two or more detached housing developments.

【E】 Public Exterior & Multi-unit Housing Division (Condominiums, Rental Apartments)
Works involving public facilities, factories, warehouses, childcare facilities, commercial facilities, leisure facilities, condominiums, and rental multi-unit housing.

【F】 Exhibition & Model House Division
Model homes and residential...