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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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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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