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Contrasting Black Steel and Red Interior in a Meditative Retreat

Authors:
Shichuang Xu, Jiapan Sun, Zujian Liu
Contrasting Black Steel and Red Interior in a Meditative Retreat

Project in-detail

The stark contrast of black steel and a vibrant red interior creates a focused environment for meditation, establishing a sanctuary designed for introspection and quiet contemplation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Built with a black steel exterior that resembles a large sculpture.
02
Interior elements use vibrantly colored red to enhance emotional connection.
03
Geometric form supports both aesthetic presence and functional usability.
04
Designed specifically to create a quiet and introspective atmosphere.
05
Spatial layout encourages movement and engagement with the meditative environment.

The Red and the Black TIN HOUSE is a notable structure that aims to create a quiet space for contemplation, allowing individuals to step away from the busyness of the outside world. Located in an area that supports tranquility, the building is designed with a bold black exterior. The overall concept focuses on providing a retreat, encouraging introspection and rest in a thoughtfully crafted environment.

Design Concept
- The concept centers on creating an enclosed, somewhat claustrophobic atmosphere that enhances reflection. The building's exterior features a regular geometric shape made from a black outer layer, giving it the appearance of a large sculpture. This design allows the house to be placed in different settings while maintaining its unique identity.

Interior Experience
- Inside, the TIN HOUSE presents a sharp contrast with its vibrant red elements. This choice of color transforms the internal space into an engaging environment. It serves as a backdrop for various thoughts and emotions, creating a connection between physical presence and mental clarity. The red enhances the experience, inviting occupants to explore their inner selves.

Materiality
- The materials chosen for the TIN HOUSE are both practical and straightforward. The use of red and black steel plates is prominent, reflecting a focus on durability as well as visual impact. These materials contribute to the overall theme of contrast between the exterior and interior. They enhance the building's functionality while also supporting its aesthetic ambitions.

Spatial Navigation
- The design of the interior is meant to guide users through an intentional journey. The staircase and layout facilitate movement from the darker outside to the brighter inner space. This careful arrangement helps occupants engage with the building on a deeper level, making the TIN HOUSE a space for meditation and self-exploration.

The TIN HOUSE stands out as a space that skillfully combines elements of design and human experience. The thoughtful interplay of colors and forms invites individuals to pause and reflect, fulfilling its purpose as a dedicated place for contemplation and tranquility.

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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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