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Curved Fabric Retreats in Natural Wood Sanctuary

Authors:
Santiago manuel Perez asis, Delfina Flores Gabellieri, Darío Emilio Hernando Arevalo
Curved Fabric Retreats in Natural Wood Sanctuary

Project in-detail

Curved forms of white fabric and natural wood create a tranquil space for meditation, allowing users to reflect while engaging with the urban environment of Tokyo.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved geometry enhances visual openness and user experience.
02
Modular design allows easy reconfiguration and transport.
03
Triple-layer fabric functions as a solar and acoustic filter.
04
Community-oriented arrangement encourages social interaction.
05
Natural materials foster a warm, inviting atmosphere for meditation.

The Reconnection Cabins project considers the challenges presented by Tokyo's crowded urban landscape by creating adaptable spaces for meditation and reflection. Located in areas marked by irregularity and density, the design concept prioritizes tranquility amidst the bustling life of the city. By utilizing forms and configurations that focus on user experience, the cabins offer a refuge where individuals can connect with their surroundings and themselves.

Design and Geometry

The cabins feature a curved shape that enhances both aesthetics and functionality. This unique design promotes a feeling of openness, allowing users to experience a broader view beyond their immediate surroundings. The smooth lines help lessen the visual barriers, creating an inviting atmosphere for contemplation. Inside, the layout provides a clean 5 m² space that allows for a variety of activities focused on introspection, free from distractions.

Material Composition

The use of materials plays a significant role in the overall ambiance of the cabins. White fabric and natural wood are combined to create an inviting and warm environment. The white fabric serves multiple purposes: it filters sunlight and reduces noise, enhancing the meditative experience. Meanwhile, the natural wood infuses warmth, creating a cozy feel within the structure. This thoughtful selection of materials supports both practical needs and the desired serene atmosphere.

Structural Modularity

The architectural framework consists of curved timbers connected with fabric and metal rods. This modular approach allows the cabins to be easily taken apart and reconfigured, making them transportable and adaptable for use in various urban settings. By focusing on modularity, the design emphasizes sustainability, allowing materials to be reused and minimizing environmental impact. This flexibility enables users to customize their environment, promoting interaction and changing community dynamics.

Community Engagement

The arrangement of the Reconnection Cabins encourages multiple units to be used together, fostering social interaction among users. This aspect strengthens community ties and changes solitary meditation into a shared experience. The design aims to reshape the way people relate to each other and their surroundings, turning moments of solitude into opportunities for connection in the often isolating environment of the city.

The design reflects an intent to blend light, shape, and sound in a way that encourages both contemplation and community, creating spaces that invite people to pause, reflect, and engage.

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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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