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Bamboo Structure Embracing Water for Meditation in Urban Setting

Author:
Mizuki Kobayashi
Bamboo Structure Embracing Water for Meditation in Urban Setting
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A serene retreat crafted from bamboo and polycarbonate harmonizes water features with natural light, providing a dedicated space for meditation amid the urban landscape of Tokyo.
5 key facts about this project
01
Bamboo serves as both structure and aesthetic element, connecting to traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
02
Polycarbonate walls create transparency, allowing ample natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.
03
Water features are integrated within the design, providing soothing soundscapes for meditation.
04
The cabin layout encourages movement, guiding users through different reflective spaces.
05
The bathroom area is designed to enhance personal reflection while maintaining connections to nature.

The Physiological Delight: Tokyo Rain Meditation Cabin is located in Tokyo and emphasizes a blend of natural elements and urban life. The design centers around water, reflecting its importance in Japanese culture and serving as a place for meditation and calm. Users can find a retreat from city life, experiencing a space that encourages connection with nature.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the cabin promotes an open and airy feeling, facilitating natural light and views from various angles. Users can move freely through the space, discovering areas designed for reflection and contemplation. Water features are positioned throughout, contributing to a peaceful soundscape that enhances the overall experience. This thoughtful arrangement allows individuals to engage with their surroundings while finding moments of stillness amidst the urban environment.

Materiality and Aesthetic

Materials play a significant role in creating the cabin’s serene atmosphere. Finely grained wood is chosen for interior surfaces, bringing warmth and comfort to the space. Bamboo serves as a structural element, linking the design to traditional Japanese building practices and promoting sustainability. Polycarbonate is used for some walls, allowing light to enter and providing views of the outside landscape. This combination of materials connects the interior with nature, creating a harmonious environment.

Therapeutic Qualities of Water

The design highlights the calming effects of water, an essential aspect of Japanese culture. By incorporating water as a main feature, the cabin addresses modern issues like stress and disconnection from nature. The sounds created by flowing water contribute to a sensory experience. Visitors are encouraged to interact with their environment meaningfully, fostering a sense of well-being and tranquility.

A distinctive element of the cabin is the bathroom, which offers a space for personal reflection while providing views of nature. This area elevates a common function into a chance for contemplation, blending utility with moments of peace. The design encourages users to pause and engage fully with their surroundings, reinforcing the connection to the natural world.

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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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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

Open architecture competitions

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    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
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    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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