Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Concave Cabins with STURDYFROTH Panels for Urban Meditation

Author:
Gonzalo Chirinos
Concave Cabins with STURDYFROTH Panels for Urban Meditation

Project in-detail

Constructed with concave STURDYFROTH panels, the urban meditation cabins offer a quiet retreat for reflection amidst the city's hustle, seamlessly integrating privacy and modular design to enhance well-being.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed for urban corners and intersections, optimizing limited space.
02
Constructed with concave STURDYFROTH panels for enhanced thermal and sound insulation.
03
Instant privacy is provided by polymer dispersed liquid crystal technology in windows.
04
Modular design allows for multiple cabins to connect as a multi-cabin complex.
05
Inspired by lotus buds, promoting themes of tranquility and reflection.

The cabins, known as MEISŌ MAYU (Meditation buds), are designed to provide a peaceful retreat in urban areas. They aim to create spaces for meditation and reflection, integrating seamlessly into the busy environment of a city. Drawing inspiration from the lotus bud, the design reflects themes of calmness and enlightenment, transforming these concepts into physical structures that enhance their surroundings.

Modular Design

Each cabin has a small footprint of 3.14m², making efficient use of limited city space. The design is suitable for various urban locations, including corners, crosstreets, and intersections. This modularity allows for the possibility of connecting multiple cabins, creating a multi-cabin complex that caters to different needs while maintaining a visually pleasing appearance.

Functional Interior

Inside, the cabins are equipped to improve user experience. They feature surround sound systems and custom lighting, which help create a suitable environment for meditation. These elements are designed to work together, providing a calm space that offers a break from the noise and activity of urban life.

Privacy Solutions

Privacy is an important aspect of the design. It is achieved through polycarbonate doors and windows. The use of Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) technology allows for instant privacy when the cabins are occupied. This ensures that users can focus on their meditation without disturbances from the outside.

Material Innovation

Concave panels are made from STURDYFROTH®, a high-density polyurethane foam that adds strength to the cabins. This material has excellent thermal and sound insulation qualities, as well as fire-retardant features. Additionally, it is recyclable, aligning with modern sustainable design practices, which is an essential consideration in today’s built environments.

The cabins present soft, curved surfaces that evoke the shape of lotus petals. This design choice not only connects back to their inspiration but also supports practical needs, such as effective water drainage and improved thermal performance.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy