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Acrylic Walls and Terracotta Planters Enhancing Sensory Meditation Spaces

Author:
Måns Eriksson
Acrylic Walls and Terracotta Planters Enhancing Sensory Meditation Spaces
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With acrylic walls that filter light and terracotta planters that invite engagement, the design creates a sensory-rich environment dedicated to meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Acrylic walls provide dynamic light patterns throughout the day.
02
Terracotta planters connect users to the sensory experience of taste.
03
Open layout encourages physical interaction with natural elements.
04
Semi-transparent partitions blend privacy with visual connection to nature.
05
Construction incorporates principles from traditional Japanese techniques for resilience.

The Pavilion of Senses is located within a lush natural environment and is designed as a space for meditation and reflection. Its purpose is to foster mindfulness through the active engagement of the five human senses: sight, taste, smell, touch, and hearing. The design encourages visitors to connect deeply with themselves and the surrounding landscape.

Concept and Spatial Layout

Openness is a key feature of the pavilion, allowing light to enter freely and creating a connection to the outside world. The layout includes transparent elements that invite nature inside, offering views of the landscape while providing shelter. This combination makes the pavilion feel like a part of the environment rather than separate from it.

Sensory Engagement

Textured acrylic sheets are a prominent feature used throughout the pavilion to enhance visual experiences. They scatter natural light and create intriguing patterns on the surfaces. In addition to visual stimulation, edible plants in terracotta pots play a role in engaging taste. These plants not only contribute to the aesthetic but also evoke feelings of joy and care.

Acoustic and Tactile Elements

Sound and touch are essential to the overall experience in the pavilion. Natural sound, like birds chirping and leaves rustling, fills the space, contributing to a calm atmosphere suitable for meditation. The layout is intentionally open, allowing visitors to physically interact with materials from nature, such as tree bark and gravel, fostering a closer connection to their surroundings.

Structural Considerations

The pavilion takes cues from traditional Japanese building methods, focusing on flexibility and stability. Movement in the supports is made possible through non-fixed connections, adapting to the environment. This approach ensures a sturdy structure while making the design responsive to the natural world.

The pavilion's walls, made with semi-transparent materials, allow light to filter through while providing privacy. This design choice balances the need for enclosure with a visual connection to nature, creating an inviting space for reflection and meditation.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

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