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Branch Camouflage and Soft Fabric Create a Private Retreat in Nature

Authors:
Qiuya Di, Shiqi Du, Aiqi Wang
Branch Camouflage and Soft Fabric Create a Private Retreat in Nature

Project in-detail

Wrapped in natural branches and softened by fabric, the cabin offers a unique meditation space that allows individuals to escape the city's distractions while connecting with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural camouflage using branches and leaves enhances privacy and blends the cabin into its surroundings.
02
Activities within the cabin focus on introspection, allowing users to engage with the environment meaningfully.
03
Wood walls create a warm interior, fostering a connection to nature while ensuring comfort.
04
Soft fabric elements add tactile comfort and enhance the meditative atmosphere of the space.
05
Views from the cabin include framed perspectives of the sky, encouraging mindfulness and reflection.

"Subspace | Tree Cabin" offers a unique retreat in the heart of Tokyo's bustling urban landscape. This project aims to provide a quiet space for individuals looking to escape the pressures of city life, which is often marked by high-rise buildings and a feeling of constant activity. The design focuses on creating a personal sanctuary that connects with nature, encouraging moments of reflection and calm.

Conceptual Integration

The cabin is designed to blend into its surroundings. Using branches and leaves as natural camouflage, it gradually fades from view, providing privacy for its occupants. This approach not only enhances tranquility but also emphasizes the relationship between the structure and the environment. The aim is to create a feeling of safety and retreat amidst the noise and chaos of city living.

Spatial Experience

Inside, the layout invites various forms of engagement. Users can sit and gaze at the sky, meditate in a focused posture, or climb to look out at the surrounding nature. Each of these activities supports a deeper connection with the environment. The design encourages slowing down, allowing a space for contemplation that contrasts with the fast pace outside.

Material Considerations

Wood is a primary material used in the cabin, chosen for its natural warmth and ability to resonate with the outdoor setting. The wood walls create a comforting interior while allowing the space to feel grounded. Soft fabric elements are included to increase comfort, making the cabin a cozy place for relaxation and meditation.

Design Details

From within, the cabin offers peaceful views of the sky, framed by leaves, and the graceful movement of birds. The gentle sound of raindrops creates a calming atmosphere. These aspects contribute to a sensory experience that encourages mindfulness. The design ultimately serves as a reminder of the beauty and serenity that nature can offer, providing a much-needed escape in an urban environment.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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