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Curved Wood Panels and Fabric Enclosure Enhance Urban Meditation Space

Author:
Museong Kim
Curved Wood Panels and Fabric Enclosure Enhance Urban Meditation Space

Project in-detail

Constructed around existing street trees, the meditation cabin employs curved wood panels and a fabric facade to create an intimate space for self-reflection within the urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabin is constructed around existing street trees, integrating nature directly into its design.
02
Curved wood panels serve both as structural support and aesthetic features.
03
A secondary fabric facade allows natural light to filter in while ensuring privacy.
04
Positioned on the sidewalk, the cabin promotes spontaneous use and engagement.
05
The design encourages moments of introspection within the busy urban environment.

The meditation cabin is designed to fit within an urban landscape and is closely integrated with existing street trees. The cabin serves as a quiet space for self-reflection, offering a break from the stress associated with modern life. Its design concept highlights the relationship between architecture and nature, encouraging users to step away from their digital lives and find moments of calm in the city.

Design Concept

At the heart of the design is the idea of harmony between the cabin and the surrounding environment. By positioning the structure around street trees, the design not only preserves these natural elements but also enhances the user experience. This connection to nature allows occupants to escape the busy city life and fosters a deeper sense of well-being.

Materials and Structure

The cabin uses curved wood panels for both its facade and structure. These panels provide necessary support while also contributing to the visual appeal of the space. The choice of wood reflects a desire for warmth and comfort, creating an inviting atmosphere. This approach allows for a fluid design that resonates with the trees outside, blurring the lines between the interior and exterior.

Light and Privacy

Natural light is an important element in the design. The cabin features a secondary facade made from fabric, which lets sunlight filter into the space while keeping users shielded from the outside view. This thoughtful arrangement creates an intimate setting for meditation, allowing individuals to disconnect from urban distractions while still being aware of the gentle movement of light around them.

Accessibility and Engagement

Situated on the sidewalk, the meditation cabin offers easy access to anyone passing by. This strategic location encourages people to take a moment for themselves, even if just for a brief pause in their day. It invites individuals, particularly those with demanding social jobs, to find quiet time amid their busy routines. The design promotes the idea that a moment of reflection can occur anywhere, enhancing personal well-being in everyday life.

As visitors enter, they encounter the soft curves of wooden panels and the filtered light, creating a peaceful environment that contrasts with the surrounding city. The cabin provides a calming experience, allowing individuals to engage with their thoughts away from the busyness of the outside world.

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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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