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Camouflaged Wooden Retreat Embracing Nature in Urban Seclusion

Authors:
Qiuya Di, Shiqi Du, Aiqi Wang
Camouflaged Wooden Retreat Embracing Nature in Urban Seclusion

Project in-detail

Camouflaged among treetops, a wooden cabin invites introspection and solitude, designed to create a personal retreat within the bustling urban fabric of Tokyo.
5 key facts about this project
01
Camouflaged with natural branches and leaves for enhanced privacy.
02
Compact layout encourages multiple interaction points with nature.
03
Soft fabrics create a calming interior atmosphere.
04
Unique openings frame dynamic views of the sky and surroundings.
05
Designed specifically for introspection amidst Tokyo's urban density.

The Subspace | Tree Cabin is located in the bustling city of Tokyo, aiming to create a space that offers an escape from urban life. Designed to function as a personal retreat, it fosters a connection with nature while promoting moments of solitude and self-reflection. At its core, the design concept revolves around providing a sanctuary that feels separate from the demands of city living, inviting occupants to experience a sense of peace.

Design Concept

The main idea behind the design is to use natural elements that enhance feelings of privacy and seclusion. The cabin utilizes branches and leaves to camouflage its structure among the trees, allowing it to blend into the surrounding landscape. This thoughtful approach helps protect the occupant's privacy while providing a tranquil environment that emphasizes a deep connection to nature.

Spatial Arrangement

Inside the cabin, space is organized to support various activities like meditation and quiet contemplation. The layout encourages users to interact with their environment from different angles. Occupants can sit, lean back, or peek through strategically positioned openings. This arrangement facilitates a genuine engagement with the natural world outside, prompting thoughtful responses to the beauty surrounding them.

Material Integration

Natural materials play an important role in the cabin's overall design. Wooden walls provide a warm, organic feeling and reinforce the connection to nature. Soft fabrics inside the cabin enhance comfort and create a calming atmosphere. These material choices align with the idea of blending into the environment while also ensuring that the structure remains visually appealing and harmonious.

Through its openings, the cabin frames views of the sky, moving leaves, and even distant city life. This design detail creates a dynamic experience for the occupant. As time passes, the changing light and landscape enrich the connection to nature, highlighting the tranquil space as a retreat from the demands of urban living.

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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
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