DIY Renova: Self-renovation support site JP

Comprehensive list of architecture and housing-related awards from around the world and Japan (practical guide for self-renovators)

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Introduction: Why knowing about “awards” is useful for self-renovation

Hello everyone, this is DIY Renova.

Renovation and DIY are activities that give form to what you like, but at the same time architectural thinking that satisfies safety, performance, and sustainability is essential.

Architectural awards from around the world and in Japan tend to be selected based on evaluation criteria such as "improved performance," "local character," "social impact," and "environmental consideration," rather than just aesthetics. In other words, studying award-winning works is synonymous with acquiring criteria for making decisions that are difficult to fail in when self-renovating.

Furthermore, if construction companies in your area in each country are participating, it will be an option in case of an emergency!

In this article, we will decipher the major domestic and international awards from a ``self-renovation perspective'' and break down the specifics to what you should imitate.

If you're wondering "How much renovation or remodeling can I actually do on my own home?" or "Where should I even start?", please visit this page. If you're looking to learn more about specific renovation processes or construction details, don't miss this page as well!

So, here you go.

How to read this article

This article consists of three layers:

  1. Overall picture of awards and evaluation axis (World/Japan)
  2. “Learning extraction” directly connected to self-renovation (insulation, earthquake resistance, plumbing flow lines, material reuse, etc.)
  3. Ready-to-use practical checklist (planning, materials, processes, photography, entry points for application)

In the second part, we will summarize observation points of case studies, precautions for each process, cataloging of tools and materials, and a mini-roadmap for applying for domestic awards.

Major awards around the world and suggestions for self-renovation

RIBA International Award (Royal Institute of British Architects)

Architecture from around the world is chosen every two years based on their "foresight, design excellence, and social impact." The emphasis is on contributing to the local area and community rather than just a single house, so you can learn the idea of ​​``connecting with the city beyond the home.'' Small interventions, such as softening the boundaries between gardens and sidewalks or adding communal benches, can improve relationships with neighbors. architecture.com

Learning points:

  • A design that does not close the home. Carefully coordinate ventilation, lighting, and sight lines with the neighbors.
  • Creating a blank space that leaves "ambiguity in usage". Expand usage with movable furniture and movable partitions.

Aga Khan Architecture Award

Every three years, we select architecture that has a deep impact on society, culture, and the environment, mainly in the Islamic cultural area. It features the use of local materials, community resilience, and climate-responsive design. When doing self-renovation, it is a good idea to prioritize things like ``reuse of existing materials,'' ``summer solar shading,'' and ``designing natural ventilation conductors.'' Seven awards were selected for the 2025 cycle, and they represent a high level of social responsibility, including the large size of the total prize money, which is on the order of $1 million. Aga Khan Development Network

Learning points:

  • Passive design tailored to the local climate (eaves, verandas, ventilation channels, common exteriors like well edges).
  • Use indigenous materials wisely instead of relying on expensive new building materials.

EU Mies van der Rohe Awards

A biennial award that selects outstanding contemporary architecture in Europe. The public archives are extensive, and you can learn about many excellent examples of home renovations. He has a strong awareness of responding to climate change and recycling-oriented renovations, and has an excellent sense of balance between component renewal and preservation. EUmies Awards+1

Learning points:

  • Balancing insulation renovation and appearance preservation (judgment criteria for external insulation and internal insulation).
  • Thorough attention to detail regarding airtightness, watertightness, and condensation when renewing sashes.

World Architecture Festival (WAF)

A unique award that judges architecture and interior design from around the world live in each category. Home renovations and small-scale renovations also often appear. During the screening, presentation skills and process transparency are also tested, so even when self-renovating, process photos, drawings, cost lists, and records of failures and corrections are valuable assets. worldarchitecturefestival.com

Learning points:

  • Verbalize the intentions and results of the plan. Record performance values ​​and changes in family flow lines before and after renovation.
  • Viewpoint of live screening = preparing “evidence materials” that a third party can understand.

Holcim Award (Sustainable Construction)

An international competition that celebrates "sustainability + design quality" across architecture, urban, and civil engineering. It is beneficial that the prize money is large and the evaluation axis is made public. Even when renovating a home, it is a good idea to get into the habit of calculating even simple LCC (life cycle cost) and LCA (life cycle assessment) to use as the basis for material selection.

Renewable energy and energy saving fields will almost always be emphasized and regulated in the future. Be sure to check it out! holcimfoundation.org

Learning points:

  • Energy saving (insulation grade/primary energy consumption) x material circulation (recycled materials/decomposable storage).
  • ``Moversibility'' of housing (preparing for future floor plan changes) = Reduction of waste materials during demolition.

OBEL AWARD

The theme is "Architecture that benefits people and the planet," and award-winning works are selected each year based on keywords such as the climate crisis, urban issues, and restoration. We evaluate ``micro ideas that solve urban issues'' even on a residential scale. Even in self-renovation projects, small measures on the site, such as ``planting and rainwater management that contribute to heat island mitigation,'' become a topic of discussion. OBEL

Learning points:

  • Reinterpretation of rainwater infiltration, rooftop greening, and sprinkling water features.
  • The design targets not only heat but also environmental quality in terms of sound, smell, and light pollution.

Architizer A+ Award

International award for strong digital exposure. Through both public voting and expert judging, there is a wide variety of projects for housing, interior design, and small-scale renovations. It goes well with DIY blogs and SNS postings, and the way you show, photograph, and document the process will be your weapon. winners.architizer.com

Learning points:

  • Visualization of "behavior changes" that go beyond before/after (improvement of number of steps in housework flow, daylight rate, etc.).
  • Rather than relying solely on photographs, we also present temperature change graphs and noise level comparisons for insulation renovations.

Points directly connected to Japanese awards and self-renovation

Renovation of the Year (Renovation Council, General Incorporated Association)

The year's most representative renovated works are selected by cost range and indiscriminate grade. Including public votes, you can get a cross-sectional view of the latest trends in home renovation. From a self-renovation perspective, the underlying idea is to "improve performance while making use of existing products." renovation.or.jp

In fact, since this award is held in Japan, if there is a construction company whose work you like, you can even find someone to consult with in areas where you would like to hire a professional!

Learning points:

  • Minimize demolition and reuse structural materials, foundations, and fittings to reduce costs and waste.
  • A floor plan that leaves space (movable shelves, movable partitions, temporary work corner).

Home Renovation Competition (Housing Renovation and Dispute Resolution Support Center)

Awarding the owner, designer, and builder from construction examples from all over the country. It has a strong public nature and aims to improve the standard of housing renovation. Since the main point of operation is a public contact point, our strength is that we can obtain suggestions from the perspective of laws, defects, and contracts. code reference

Learning points:

  • "Documentation" of contracts, quotations, and change agreements. Process and payment milestone management.
  • Learn about the use of third-party consultation services for conflict prevention.

JELCO Renovation Contest (Japan Housing Renovation Industry Association)

Sponsored by one of the largest reform-related organizations in Japan. It is multifaceted, including design and photo categories, and has a wealth of award-winning case study pages, making it useful as learning material for ``parts and themes.'' Looking for home renovations, Japan Home Renovation Industry Association JERCO

Learning points:

  • Specific details such as making the actual condominiums and detached houses barrier-free and fully air-conditioned.
  • You can view a large number of examples of floor plan reorganizations that suit your lifestyle and family structure.

“Winning patterns of self-renovation” seen from award-winning works

When we cross the above award trends, we find the following common denominators:

  1. Find and develop existing value
    We reduce costs and environmental impact at the same time by designing based on the ``original charm,'' such as how to present structural materials, repainting old fittings, and reusing scaffolding boards and beams. This can be seen strongly in the works of the Renovation Council.
  2. Achieving performance improvements at the same time (insulation, airtightness, earthquake resistance, noise)
    It is difficult to achieve long-term satisfaction with renovations that prioritize appearance. In Europe, EUmies and Holcim place emphasis on outcomes such as climate adaptation, heating, and material circulation, and ``quantification of comfort'' is also evaluated in housing. EUmies Awards
  3. Designing changes in the way we live
    Renovations that involve ``redesigning behaviors'' such as barrier-free design, workspaces, and dual-family living have been highly evaluated. From Jelco's award-winning examples and WAF's presentation format, we can see the importance of verbalizing "before-and-after comparisons of life." JERCO, Japan Housing Renovation Industry Association, looking for home renovation |+
  4. Even a small external structure contributes to the environment
    The theme of OBEL suggests that rainwater management, solar radiation adjustment, and microclimate creation can be valuable even in private residences. OBEL

Fundamentals that should be understood in terms of engineering (minimum that even an amateur can judge)

This is the key point in engineering that supports the ``winning strategy'' of self-renovation. Avoid complicated formulas and summarize only the concepts necessary for making decisions.

  • insulation and condensation
    Internal insulation is easy to install, but there are cases where condensation tends to occur on the back side of the insulation. While external insulation makes it easier to place the structure on the warmer side and is resistant to condensation, it does impose constraints on design and cost. In the case study group in Europe (EUmies), a style of responding to details to preserve the existing appearance and reduce the risk of condensation has become established (continuity of airtight sheets, waterproofing around openings, ensuring ventilation layers, etc.). EUmies Awards
  • Airtightness and ventilation
    Increasing airtightness reduces drafts and improves heating and cooling efficiency. However, a plan for mechanical ventilation (types 1 to 3) and a route design for natural ventilation are required. The philosophy of RIBA and Holcim also talks about "performance + health (CO₂ concentration/humidity)" as a set. architecture.com+1
  • Earthquake reinforcement
    For existing wooden structures, the basics are the balance and continuity of load-bearing walls, and the reliable installation of metal fittings. Adding plywood from the indoor side increases rigidity and avoids uneven openings. This repeatedly appears in the technical explanations of Japanese competition winning cases (pointed out in the application guidelines and review comments). code reference
  • Noise countermeasures
    The floor is heavy due to the ``mass law,'' and the walls are multilayered to gain transmission loss. Sashes are selected based on airtightness grade, and simple sound absorption with curtains and rugs is also used. Examples of improvements to indoor sound environments, such as those seen in the A+ Awards, are more persuasive when presented graphically. A+Awards

“Ready-to-use” observation sheet for self-renovation

When looking at award-winning works, you can deepen your learning by checking them from the following perspectives.

  • Materials: Ratio of new/reused materials, and which parts were reused
  • Performance: Which was prioritized: insulation, airtightness, solar shielding, ventilation, or sound insulation?
  • Flow line: distance of housework triangle (kitchen, laundry, drying clothes, storage), eliminating steps
  • External: Rainfall, drainage, planting, relationship with neighbors
  • Cost: The peaks and valleys of construction costs, where did you concentrate your money?
  • Presentation: Process photos, cross-sectional diagrams, temperature/humidity and power consumption data

These are the essentials of ``how to convey your message'' that you can learn from WAF's live screening and A+ Award's public examples. worldarchitecturefestival.com

How to navigate the awards page you should see first in Japan

Laws and safety minimum line (assumed in Japan)

  • Structure: Do not remove walls or enlarge openings lightly. Consult with a structural designer if necessary.
  • Fire prevention: In semi-fire prevention areas and Article 22 areas, there are restrictions on exterior materials and opening specifications.
  • Equipment: Be sure to check the gradient and ventilation of water supply and drainage, electrical circuit capacity, grounding, and clearance for the distribution board.
  • Neighborhood coordination: Posting of construction schedule, noise, dust, and delivery routes.

These considerations also apply to the judging perspective of public competitions. The universal requirement for award-winning works is to "improve people's lives in accordance with the law." code reference

Observation template for “interpreting” award-winning cases

If you have a fixed perspective when looking at award-winning works, the intensity of your learning will increase at once. Please copy and paste the template below and fill in the information for each case that interests you.

  • Project name/location:
  • Existing problems: ``Cold in winter,'' ``Western sun in summer,'' ``Long line of work around the house,'' ``Noisy noise,'' etc.
  • Hypothesis for solution: ``insulation reinforcement,'' ``solar shielding,'' ``reconfiguration of storage,'' ``addition of sound-absorbing materials,'' etc.
  • Material composition: Breakdown of new materials/reused materials. Which parts will be reused (fittings, floorboards, beams, scaffolding boards, built-in shelves, etc.)?
  • Performance indicators: Insulation (specifications for windows, walls, and ceilings), airtightness (continuously closing gaps), ventilation (mechanical or natural), sound insulation (multilayer floors and walls, sash grade).
  • Flow line design: Distance between kitchen, laundry and storage, expansion of the dirt floor at the entrance, presence or absence of circulation lines.
  • Microclimate/external structure: the role of eaves and plantings, the flow of rainwater, and coordination of sight lines with neighbors.
  • Cost allocation: ``Where do you spend money and where do you subtract money?'' such as focusing on performance and simple finishing.
  • Records and expressions: Before and after renovation photos, cross-sectional sketches, actual measurements of temperature, humidity, and CO₂, and graphs of electricity bill trends. The public review of WAF also emphasizes ``visualization of processes,'' a perspective that is easy to apply even on a household scale.

If you can verbalize the "before and after comparison of daily life" using the template above, it will be easier to convey in public voting formats like the Architizer A+ Award (not only photos, but also numbers and illustrations will be persuasive).

Checklist by process (so that even amateurs can complete it safely and reliably)

Before demolition

  • Drawing: At a minimum, prepare a simplified diagram showing the plan dimensions, estimated positions of columns and beams, foundation direction, and piping routes.
  • Temporary curing: Protect floors, fittings, and existing equipment from damage. Curing poly and curing tape to prevent dust.
  • Electricity/water supply and drainage: Check breaker location, system, and water shutoff valves. Also understand the circuit capacity (breaker A) and remaining capacity.
  • Neighborhood bulletin board: Construction period, working hours, contact information, dust and noise considerations. In Japan's public contests, the perspective of "conflict prevention" is emphasized, and process planning and accountability are fundamental strengths.

Dismantling

  • Leave a large number of "visualization" photos of the direction of the foundation, wiring, and piping (this will speed up later construction decisions).
  • Separation of waste: wood chips, plasterboard, metal, plastic. Secure reusable fittings, flooring, and construction materials.
  • Check whether there is an airtight sheet under the plasterboard (if any, carefully repair the penetrations).

Groundwork (Kinoshita ground/light surface)

  • Confirm streets, grid lines, and horizontal lines using a laser. For the floor, the joists are level, and for the walls, a ``surface'' is created using the rim.
  • A plywood base will be installed to make it more flexible in the future (it will be easier to add decorative shelves and handrails).
  • Make sure that the screws on the fixtures work against the base (combined with base search).

Insulation and airtight

  • Ceiling: Ensure that glass wool/cellulose blowing is applied to the existing ceiling to prevent air flow.
  • Walls: Internal insulation is designed to be moisture-proof and dew-proof (continuous airtightness on the indoor side, ramps around openings, waterproof tape). External insulation requires a ventilation layer and rainproof measures. In the award-winning cases in Europe, the emphasis is on details that balance design and reducing the risk of condensation.
  • Floor: Insulation between joists + air flow prevention. Don't forget to make sure the inspection opening under the floor is airtight.

Windows, solar radiation, ventilation

  • Window renewal: Select sash grade and glass composition (Low-E, Argon) based on application. There are many cases where internal windows using existing frames are highly cost-effective.
  • Eaves, blinds, and external blinds: Reduce solar heat gain in the summer and turn them in in the winter. Solar radiation control that is rooted in local culture has a high affinity with the philosophy of the Aga Khan Prize.
  • Ventilation: Once the airtightness has been increased, design a route for planned ventilation (Type 1/Type 3) or natural ventilation that uses temperature and wind pressure differences.

Earthquake resistance

  • Wall volume balance: To prevent eccentricity, walls with concentrated openings are reinforced with additional plywood and braces.
  • Continuity: The foundation, foundation, columns, beams, and roof frame are made continuous using hardware.
  • Existing deterioration: Inspect foundations and column bases for rot and termite marks. Consult with experts as necessary.

Equipment (electricity, water, air conditioning)

  • Electricity: Safety comes first when adding circuits. Consider using dedicated circuits for the kitchen, air conditioner, bathroom dryer, and EV charging.
  • Water: Observe the basics of ventilation pipes, gradients, and traps. The piping is routed so that it can be inspected in the future.
  • Air conditioning: If you have a detached house, it is worth considering the idea of ​​``entirely air-conditioning''. Jelco's award-winning examples also include renovations to central air conditioning.

Finishing/maintenance

  • Walls and ceilings: After preparing the base, apply a thin coat, cloth, or paint.
  • Floors: Re-sanding of existing flooring, overlaying and natural oil finish.
  • Maintainability: Choose a housing that is easy to disassemble with the assumption that it will be replaced someday. This is connected to Holcim's ``life cycle thinking'', which is the core of evaluation.

Records (photos/numeric values)

  • Don't rely too much on wide-angle photos, and correct distortion. Fixed exposure and white balance. Fixed point with a tripod.
  • Indoor environment: Fixed point observation of temperature, humidity, CO₂, power, and noise dB. It's a weapon that shows you how your life has changed. Visualization that goes well with A+ and WAF review communication! ?

“Self-renovation” menu by budget and effect (example)

The following is a cost-effective ordering plan that is universally effective for detached houses/condominiums.

~50,000 yen

  • Filling airtight gaps (windows, pipe penetrations, inspection ports)
  • Improved heat shielding and insulation grade of curtains/roll screens
  • Simple sound absorption (rugs, cloth panels)
  • Introduction of measuring equipment (temperature/humidity logger, CO₂ sensor)

~200,000 yen

  • Entrance door airtight improvement/mohair replacement
  • Minor renovation of water flow lines (movable shelves, introduction of wagons, change in lighting arrangement)
  • Adding interior windows (even just the main living room has a great effect)

~500,000 yen

  • Reinforcement of ceiling insulation (more DIY if attic access is possible)
  • Internal insulation for only one wall + movable shelf structure (select areas that do not create thermal bridges)
  • Polishing and repurposing of existing flooring + natural painting

~1 million yen

  • Replacement of sashes (from the direction with the highest priority)
  • Improve ventilation of existing exterior walls + exterior maintenance
  • Reorganization of storage and circulation line

~3 million yen~

  • Floor plan reconfiguration + comprehensive seismic and insulation renovation
  • Redesign of air flow for whole building air conditioning (duct/outlet plan)
  • Exterior (eaves, greening, permeable pavement, rainwater management)

Don't forget that the three-point set of "performance x living style x environmental friendliness" is the most likely to win housing awards, so we will invest in a well-balanced manner here as well. It may be a thought that approaches the evaluation axis of EUmies and Holcim.

Application entrance (domestic)

  • Renovation of the Year: Application guidelines, cost range, and submissions (photos, drawings, text) for each year are clearly stated. First of all, it is efficient to go back and look at last year's award-winning pages starting from the "cost range".
  • Home Renovation Contest: The ``purpose'', ``screening perspective'', and ``required documents'' are organized in the application guide. It has a strong public nature, and there is a lot to learn from the perspective of relationships with clients, contracts, and conflict prevention.
  • JELCO Renovation Contest: Diverse categories. Photos and summaries of past award-winning cases provide practical tips.

Common tips for submissions:

  • Before/After photos from the same angle (same exposure and WB).
  • A minimum set of three drawings: ``Current status'', ``Plan'', and ``Cross section/details (1-2 points)''.
  • The text is in the order of ``Task → Hypothesis → Means → Results (changes in numbers and behavior)''.
  • If possible, graph simple actual measurements of "temperature, humidity, CO₂, electricity, and noise."

Challenge overseas awards (also serve as information dissemination)

  • WAF (World Architecture Festival): Applications are mainly made by professionals, but the key to small-scale renovations is the ability to talk about the process. It may be easier to write the outline of ``problem → solution'' in 100 to 300 English words if you make it into bullet points and then write it down into sentences.
  • Architizer A+ Awards: In order to attract the attention of the general public, one idea might be to compile not only photos but also quantitative changes in daily life in a single graph (step count, brightness, temperature and humidity, etc.).
  • OBEL/Holcim: Since this is a field related to sustainability, it would be helpful if you could reduce the context of global issues to your own home (returning rainwater underground, reducing heating and cooling loads by renovating the outer skin, etc.). The evaluation axis of the application guidelines will be made public, so let's organize them according to the requirements.

Common pitfalls and workarounds

  • Strengthening insulation and forgetting ventilation: This has the opposite effect, causing condensation, odor, and CO₂ accumulation. Airtightness reinforcement and ventilation plan are a set. The philosophies of RIBA and Holcim also talk about the two wheels of "performance x health."
  • Excessive removal of walls: The structure loses its balance and becomes susceptible to shaking. Illustrate load-bearing walls to reduce deviation. Consult with a specialist if necessary.
  • Insufficient slope due to water movement: Cause of poor drainage and odor backflow. Consider level differences at the planning stage.
  • In the case of submission, only the photo "looks good": During the review, we can see evidence-based improvements. Adding a numerical graph, even if it is small, can be very persuasive.

Japanese laws and safety “minimum”

  • Structure: Removal of load-bearing walls and large openings should not be done lightly.
  • Fire prevention: Restricted to exterior materials and openings in semi-fire prevention areas.
  • Electricity: When adding equipment that requires a dedicated circuit (IH, dishwasher, air conditioner, bathroom dryer, etc.), check the distribution board capacity and system design.
  • Water: Protect traps, ventilation, and gradients (odor control).
  • Neighborhood: Advance explanation of work hours, dust, noise, and loading/unloading.
    These are also the perspectives that underlie the application guidelines and review reviews for domestic awards (conflict prevention, safety, and performance).

Summary: Turn awards into “design measuring sticks”

  • Awards around the world place emphasis on "social, environmental, and performance," while Japanese awards place a strong emphasis on "solidity of practice and quality of life." If you combine the two, you can see the path to a ``home that you can comfortably live in for a long time'' even if you do self-renovation.
  • Use observation templates and process checklists to record before-and-after comparisons with photos, drawings, and numerical values. This will help build consensus among your family, and it will also serve as a basis for communicating externally and applying.
  • The budget is balanced and distributed among ``performance (insulation, airtightness, ventilation, earthquake resistance),'' ``living (flow lines, storage),'' and ``external structure (microclimate).'' The perspective of environmental contribution (rainwater, greening, decomposable housing) also resonates with overseas evaluation criteria.

I hope this article provides an opportunity to reconsider self-renovation using the ``world standard measuring stick.''

If you're wondering "How much renovation or remodeling can I actually do on my own home?" or "Where should I even start?", please visit this page. If you're looking to learn more about specific renovation processes or construction details, don't miss this page as well!

Reference materials/with respect

  • RIBA International Prize (Royal Institute of British Architects): Public page of award-winning works and evaluation criteria.
  • Aga Khan Award for Architecture: A collection of examples that are highly regional, social, and environmentally relevant.
  • EUmies Awards (Mies van der Rohe Award): Learn about European renovation examples and technical details.
  • World Architecture Festival (WAF): Live judging and application guidelines.
  • Holcim Awards for Sustainable Construction: Evaluation frame and winning dossier.
  • OBEL AWARD: An award archive that responds to climate and urban challenges with art and architecture.
  • Architizer A+ Awards: Both public voting and expert judging. For reference in photos and information design.
  • Renovation of the Year (Renovation Council, General Incorporated Association): Archives by domestic cost range are very easy to learn.
  • Home Renovation Contest (Housing Renovation and Dispute Resolution Support Center): It has a strong public nature, and the judging perspective is directly connected to practice.
  • JELCO Renovation Contest (Japan Housing Renovation Industry Association): Award-winning examples in each category are complete with photos and explanations.

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