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Ceramic-Tiled Sanctuary for Emotional Release

Author:
Carola Bona
Ceramic-Tiled Sanctuary for Emotional Release

Project in-detail

A retreat adorned with ceramic tiles and rough concrete, the cabin serves as a private space for emotional expression through the act of screaming.
5 key facts about this project
01
Sound is transformed into light, creating an interactive emotional experience.
02
The cabin's exterior features a unique arrangement of ceramic tiles in irregular patterns.
03
Dimmable light panels adapt their intensity based on users' vocal expressions.
04
Color therapy is integrated to influence users' emotions during meditation.
05
The design includes a hidden door, enhancing the sense of discovery and privacy.

The meditation cabin in Tokyo provides a unique response to the need for emotional expression in an urban setting. Designed to allow visitors to freely vocalize their feelings, it encourages the act of screaming as a means of release and self-exploration. This concept of emotional authenticity challenges societal norms, offering a space where individuals can reveal their true selves without fear of judgment.

Interactive Sound and Light System

The cabin features an interactive sound and light system that connects personal expression with a responsive environment. When users scream, the sound is captured and transformed into light within the space. This interaction creates an engaging atmosphere, visually showcasing the direct impact of emotional release and enhancing the overall experience of the cabin.



Materiality and Form

The structure is wrapped in rough concrete and ceramic tiles arranged in an irregular pattern. This choice of materials reflects the chaotic nature of everyday life, while the clean lines and form of the cabin convey a sense of clarity. The combination of these elements establishes a visual connection to Tokyo's fast-paced environment while inviting quiet contemplation.



Interior Experience

Inside, the ambiance shifts with dimmable light panels that respond to the intensity of users' screams. The darkness of the cabin is transformed as each voice is expressed, creating a unique interplay between light and sound. Color therapy plays a significant role here; specific colors like red and blue are used to elicit different emotional responses, enhancing the retreat-like quality of the space.



A hidden door adds an element of curiosity, encouraging visitors to explore the sanctuary within. As individuals engage with the cabin, they find themselves wrapped in an environment carefully designed for emotional exploration. The experience culminates in a unique architectural setting that emphasizes personal expression and the importance of mental well-being.

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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

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