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Curved Wooden Bench and Mirror Wall in Urban Meditation Cabins

Author:
Amit Beery
Curved Wooden Bench and Mirror Wall in Urban Meditation Cabins

Project in-detail

A mirror wall reflects the inner green axis created by climbing plants, while a floating wooden roof allows natural light to stream into the compact meditation cabins designed to promote mindfulness in Tokyo's urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mirror wall enhances spatial perception and connection with nature.
02
Floating wooden roof allows for natural light and ventilation.
03
Climbing plants integrated within wooden planters create a dynamic green element.
04
Curved wooden bench promotes comfort and interaction within the space.
05
Semi-translucent rolling curtain enables flexible privacy options.

The architectural proposal for meditation cabins in Tokyo offers a quiet space amongst the lively city environment. Inspired by the Shinto Torii gate, the design creates a meaningful shift from the everyday to a space meant for thought and reflection. These cabins aim to support users in finding peace in a fast-paced urban setting.

Structural Components
The cabins consist of a few key structural parts. There are back and front double board wooden panels that outline the space, giving it framework and support. A mirror wall enhances the feeling of openness inside, making the space seem larger. Along with a wooden platform and a curved wooden bench, the cabins are designed to be comfortable for meditation.

Spatial Dynamics
A floating wooden roof allows for fresh air and natural light to enter the cabins. This feature helps maintain a sense of connection with the outside world while avoiding a cramped feeling inside. In addition, a side panel with a rolling curtain provides privacy and can be adjusted according to the user's preferences, allowing for both openness and seclusion as needed.

Natural Elements
Inside the cabins, there is a partitioning wooden planter that holds climbing plants. This addition showcases a connection to nature amid urban life. It creates a small "green axis" that adds color and life to the interior. A semi-translucent rolling curtain allows light to break through, fostering a soft and calm environment for reflection.

Materiality
The choice of materials is practical and effective. Wooden panels feature throughout the design, used in the structure and the bench. Stainless steel is also incorporated for the partitioning mesh, which supports climbing plants and contrasts with the warm wood. The combination of these materials plays a vital role in the cabin's inviting atmosphere, encouraging users to pause and reflect.

The arrangement of the mirror wall connects the inside to the outside world, allowing views to merge. The climbing plants enhance the experience, creating a sense of growth and vibrancy within the tranquil space.

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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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