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Bamboo Retreat for Individual Meditation in Urban Nature

Author:
Seulmir Yu
Bamboo Retreat for Individual Meditation in Urban Nature
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Constructed primarily from bamboo, this meditation space offers a private retreat that allows residents of Tokyo to engage with nature while fostering mindfulness and personal reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Bamboo is the primary material, promoting sustainability and natural aesthetics.
02
The design includes a genkan for transitioning from the outside world to the meditation space.
03
Individual meditation rooms are configured for complete user privacy.
04
Strategic openings maximize natural light and enhance the atmosphere.
05
Located in Chuo City, it addresses urban density and lack of green spaces.

Little Forest is a meditation space designed for the residents of Tokyo, located in the busy Chuo City. It aims to provide a quiet retreat amid the city's hustle and bustle. The project recognizes the need for personal and natural environments, offering a serene place for individuals to step away from technology and reconnect with nature.

Design Concept

The primary focus of Little Forest is to create a peaceful environment for solitary meditation. The design invites users to experience a setting that feels far removed from the distractions of urban life. By mimicking a primitive natural setting, the space encourages mindfulness and a return to simplicity. It serves as a reminder of the importance of personal reflection in today's fast-paced world.

Spatial Organization

Inside, the layout features several distinct areas, including a meditation room, a dressing room, and an entrance, also known as a genkan. These spaces are thoughtfully arranged to enhance user experience. Each area serves a specific purpose while maintaining a unified design. The accessibility of the space is essential, making it easy for local residents to use the facilities whenever they seek a moment of calm.

Material Selection

While detailed information on materials is limited, the mention of bamboo highlights a commitment to sustainable design. Bamboo is chosen for its natural qualities, which contribute to a calming atmosphere. Incorporating bamboo aligns with a design philosophy that connects architecture to nature. This approach emphasizes the importance of creating environments that reflect the beauty of the natural world.

Light and Atmosphere

The design pays special attention to light, enhancing the atmosphere within the meditation space. By integrating openings that allow natural light to stream in, the structure creates a warm and inviting environment. The relationship between light and shadow promotes a sense of tranquility. This careful balance adds to the overall experience, making the space ideal for reflection and personal growth.

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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.

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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
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