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Bamboo Cantilever with Green Facade Creates Tranquil Urban Retreat

Author:
Sook Chong
Bamboo Cantilever with Green Facade Creates Tranquil Urban Retreat

Project in-detail

An inviting bamboo cantilever enveloped in verdant greenery offers a serene sanctuary for meditation, seamlessly integrating natural materials with urban life.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure utilizes bamboo for its primary framework, emphasizing sustainability in an urban context.
02
A unique hyperbolic form enhances natural light capture and spatial experience throughout the cabin.
03
Dynamic climbing plants integrated into the facade contribute to the building's living characteristics and insulation.
04
The design includes a cantilevered section that offers expansive views while providing a tranquil meditation space.
05
Layered interior levels allow for varied user interaction, promoting both solitude and community engagement.
The Meditation Cabin: Lighthouse is an architectural project located in Itabashi City, Tokyo, Japan, designed with a focus on creating a quiet retreat within an urban landscape. This structure embodies a synthesis of natural form and urban function, aiming to offer a space for personal reflection and mindfulness amidst the surrounding city bustle. The project is structured as a vertical tower, evoking the essence of both a lighthouse and a tree, symbolizing the guidance of light and the grounding presence of nature.

The primary function of the Meditation Cabin is to provide a sanctuary for individuals seeking peace and reflection. It caters to varying degrees of engagement, making it accessible for those wishing to explore solitude or communal interaction. The design encourages visitors to interact with their environment in a thoughtful manner, promoting the idea that introspection can coexist with urban life.

Key components of the architecture include a multi-level layout that is organized to optimize the user experience. The first level acts as a transitional space, offering a sheltered entrance that provides a gentle introduction to the experience within. As visitors move upward, the second level fosters relaxation, creating an area conducive to socialization while still maintaining a sense of privacy. The top level is dedicated to meditation, featuring an open area that connects users with panoramic views, ideal for contemplative practices.

In terms of materiality, the cabin integrates bamboo as a predominant construction material. The use of bamboo reflects a commitment to sustainability, as it is lightweight, structurally robust, and visually appealing. This material choice contributes to the project's overarching theme of harmony with nature. Complementing the bamboo, a metal framework provides the needed structural integrity, while mesh panels serve to balance light, air flow, and privacy. The concrete base of the cabin ensures stability, anchoring the structure within its urban context. The inclusion of glass allows natural light to penetrate various spaces, enhancing the connection between the interior environment and the surrounding landscape.

A unique aspect of the Meditation Cabin is its dynamic architectural form. The hyperbolic shape serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, optimizing light capture and views from multiple angles. This design invites users to engage with the building in diverse ways, drawing them into a descending journey that transitions from public space to intimate setting. The layered levels offer distinct experiences, while the thoughtful arrangement encourages exploration and contemplation, embodying the central tenets of the project.

Moreover, the design promotes a visual connection to nature through the integration of climbing plants and green features that envelop the structure, emphasizing the idea of a living building. The incorporation of natural vegetation not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also contributes to the overall environmental performance of the cabin, reinforcing the connection between the urban environment and natural ecosystems.

For those interested in a deeper understanding of this architectural endeavor, it is beneficial to explore further elements such as the architectural plans, sections, and overall designs that illustrate the innovative ideas present in the project. The Meditation Cabin: Lighthouse stands as a testament to how architecture can thoughtfully address the need for peaceful spaces in urban contexts, and it invites exploration of the careful considerations behind its design.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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