Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Bamboo Frame Cabin with Gradient Cotton Fabric for Urban Meditation

Author:
Maria Sofokleous
Bamboo Frame Cabin with Gradient Cotton Fabric for Urban Meditation

Project in-detail

Constructed with a curvilinear bamboo frame and enveloped in gradient cotton fabric, the meditation cabin offers an immersive sanctuary for contemplation amidst the urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabin features a unique curvilinear form that enhances its integration with the surrounding environment.
02
Constructed entirely from sustainably sourced bamboo, it exemplifies eco-friendly building practices.
03
A gradient cotton fabric envelope provides both visual interest and a calming aesthetic.
04
The design emphasizes modularity, allowing for easy assembly and relocation to different urban sites.
05
Interior acoustic insulation is achieved using natural wool felt, enhancing the meditative experience.
The 21 Grams project represents a thoughtful exploration of the intersection between architecture and the human experience, particularly emphasizing the pursuit of tranquility in an urban environment. Designed as a meditation cabin, the project seeks to provide a refuge for individuals amidst the demands of modern city life. It reflects a conceptual framework rooted in philosophical ideas about weight and the human soul, encouraging introspection and mindfulness among its users.

At its core, the 21 Grams project serves a dual purpose: it functions as a private space for meditation while also acting as a public art installation. This blend of utility and art allows visitors to interact with the structure in various ways, fostering a deepened connection to self and surroundings. The cabin’s design prioritizes a sense of peace and solitude, inviting users to pause and reflect in a world often characterized by hustle.

The architecture of the cabin is characterized by an organic form that evokes a sense of fluidity and harmony, making it stand out in contrast to the rigid lines commonly associated with urban structures. The unique silhouette is achieved through the innovative use of materials and construction techniques, particularly the incorporation of bamboo as the primary structural element. Bamboo is known for its strength and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for the framework. The use of natural materials further aligns with the project's ethos of creating a serene and inviting atmosphere while promoting environmentally responsible design practices.

The choice of cotton fabric as the cabin's outer layer enhances its sensory appeal, providing a soft, inviting surface that embodies warmth. The fabric is treated to feature a gradient coloration, transitioning from deep indigo at the base to soft white at the top. This color scheme not only contributes to the aesthetic quality of the cabin but also creates a calming visual effect, reinforcing the meditative experience for users. Inside, natural wool felt is used to enhance acoustics and insulation, further enriching the overall environment.

A notable aspect of the 21 Grams project is its adaptability, designed with modular elements that facilitate easy assembly and relocation. This aspect ensures that the cabin can serve various sites, strategically situating it in busy urban centers such as near metro entrances or public squares. The ability to move the structure addresses the increasing demand for contemplative spaces in areas often lacking moments of respite.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project, particularly in how the architecture engages with its urban context. The installation’s sculptural quality invites curiosity while remaining approachable, encouraging passersby to engage with the space and contemplate its purpose. This responsive approach to design helps bridge the gap between architecture and public interaction, making the meditation cabin a point of interest amid the surrounding cityscape.

In summary, the 21 Grams project offers a clear vision of how architecture can influence mental well-being and provide spaces that foster personal growth. Its thoughtful integration of sustainable materials, innovative design solutions, and a commitment to creating tranquil environments underscores the importance of architecture in enhancing our daily lives. For those interested in understanding the intricate details of this project, including architectural plans, sections, and designs, exploring the full presentation will offer deeper insights into this thoughtful endeavor.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy