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Climate-Responsive Cabin Featuring Nanotechnology and Antibacterial Materials for Urban Meditation

Author:
Francesca Di Giacomo
Climate-Responsive Cabin Featuring Nanotechnology and Antibacterial Materials for Urban Meditation
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Constructed with antibacterial aluminum oxide and a unique climate-responsive lining, the meditation cabin offers urban dwellers a dedicated space for mindfulness practice amid the bustling environment of Tokyo.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with antibacterial aluminum oxide for enhanced hygiene.
02
Features a climate-responsive lining to regulate temperature.
03
Includes a dedicated pet waiting area with food and water.
04
Equipped with an internal screen for guided meditation sessions.
05
Combines Japanese cultural motifs with a contemporary urban design.

Ze-Cabin is a multifunctional meditation cabin designed for urban environments, particularly in Tokyo, Japan. The purpose of the cabin is to provide a tranquil space where city residents can step away from the stress of daily life and engage in mindfulness practices. The design concept combines elements from traditional Japanese culture with the natural landscape, creating an inviting retreat within a bustling city.

Design Inspiration

The overall form of Ze-Cabin is influenced by Japan’s landscape, especially the calming images of volcano mountains. This connection to nature is reflected in the design, which aims to instill a sense of peace and safety. Inside, the layout is organized to mimic the feeling of being contained, similar to the comfort of a womb. This intimate spatial arrangement allows users to concentrate fully during their meditation sessions.

Material Characteristics

In constructing Ze-Cabin, advanced materials that are antibacterial and antiviral are used to ensure cleanliness in a public setting. The cabin's structure is primarily made from treated aluminum oxide, a durable material that is patented in Japan. This material offers strong resistance to corrosion and effective heat management. Such choices make the cabin not only functional but also long-lasting in the urban landscape.

User-Centric Features

Ze-Cabin includes various features to enhance the experience for all users. The installation has a sound and light system designed to support meditation by creating a calming atmosphere. The internal screen serves multiple purposes; it displays information about guided meditation sessions and yoga practices. The design also accounts for users with disabilities, providing Braille displays and audio guidance. Additionally, a waiting area for pets, equipped with food and water, ensures that pet owners can also enjoy the space.

Technological Integration

The cabin serves as more than just a meditation area; it acts as a useful resource for city residents. A screen on the front provides important information about local attractions and city maps. On the back, an advertisement display offers potential economic benefits to the surrounding area. This functional integration helps meet the needs of urban inhabitants while contributing to the local community.

The interior of Ze-Cabin features a climate-responsive lining made from a combination of cotton and wool mixed with synthetic fibers. This setup helps regulate temperature and keeps the environment comfortable for users engaging in meditation, further enhancing the overall experience within the cabin.

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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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