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YKK AP Exterior Style Award 2025 Results Announced

The YKK AP Exterior Style Award 2025, a celebrated contest, has revealed its winners after an extensive evaluation of 2,015 submissions. Organized by YKK AP, a leader in exterior products headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, this year's competition focused on the innovative use of exterior assets to craft next-generation living spaces.

Grand Prize Winner

The coveted Grand Prize, known as the YKK AP Style Award, was awarded to little bear garden, a company based in Fukushima City. Their submission showcased a remarkable renovation that emphasized existing structures while introducing new products, greenery, and lighting that transformed the space entirely. Notably, this marks the first time a renovation project has clinched the Grand Prize in the contest's 15-year history.

The awarded project utilized Relay Ria Roof Frame and Lucious Fence Lite, which were strategically integrated into the design to address the client’s request for a sheltered pathway from the carport to the entrance. This thoughtful approach resulted in a sophisticated facade that exudes both weight and harmony, while the vertical lattice adds depth and contrast, creating a refined spatial experience.

Judges' Feedback

The judges highlighted this entry as a pioneer, marking the first Grand Prize in the Exterior Renovation Division amidst numerous submissions. They commended the effective use of the existing space, the harmony between new and established plantings, and the creative solutions provided to meet the client’s challenges. Furthermore, the project exemplified sustainable practices, responding to the growing demand for environmentally conscious renovations in light of decreasing new construction numbers and burgeoning ecological awareness.

The judges were particularly impressed by various design elements, such as lighting, horizontal lines, approach layouts, and variations in height, which contributed to a distinctive blend of creativity and aesthetic appeal. These qualities not only enhanced the value of the structure but also strengthened the overall landscape of the community, indicating a positive trajectory for the industry as a whole.

About the YKK AP Exterior Style Award

The YKK AP Exterior Style Award is designed to foster innovation in exterior product design and installation. By encouraging participants to consider the surrounding environment and future potential in their submissions, the contest has become a platform for excellence in exterior space design over its 15 years of operation. This year, out of 2,015 entries, 127 entries were recognized for their outstanding contributions.

The official results can be found on the YKK AP Contest Website.

2025 Award Highlights

• - Grand Prize: little bear garden (Fukushima City)

Category Winners

1. Facade Division
- Gold: Ariake Landscape (Taman City, Kumamoto)
- Silver: News Corporation (Fukuoka City)
- Bronze: Eiwa Garden (Ebina City, Kanagawa)

2. Garden Division
- Gold: Nankyu Facility (Kagoshima City)
- Silver: Sekisui House (Akashi City, Hyogo)
- Bronze: Light Garden (Kumamoto)

3. Exterior Renovation Division
- Gold: Natux (Saitama City)
- Silver: Nankyu Facility (Kagoshima City)
- Bronze: little bear garden (Fukushima City)

Through this award, YKK AP continues to inspire a new generation of design professionals who are committed to creating thoughtful and sustainable exterior spaces.