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Elevated Cubes of Translucent Glass for Urban Meditation

Authors:
Citiea Bianca, Alexandru-Ionut Marinescu
Elevated Cubes of Translucent Glass for Urban Meditation

Project in-detail

Elevated above street level, the meditation cabins utilize a cube form with translucent glass and a lightweight metallic structure to create a tranquil escape in the urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design promotes a sense of separation from urban noise.
02
Translucent glass allows natural light while ensuring user privacy.
03
Circular pathway encourages mindful circulation around the structure.
04
Central light source enhances the atmosphere for meditation.
05
Lightweight metallic structure provides flexibility in space use.

The Tokyo Urban Meditation Cabins serve as a peaceful retreat within the bustling urban landscape. Designed for meditation and self-reflection, these cabins create an elevated space, providing users a way to distance themselves from the distractions of city life. With a focus on a cube form that rises above the streets, the design invites individuals to engage in mindfulness away from the city's noise.

Form and Geometry

The cabins are designed as simple cube structures that blend into the urban backdrop. This geometric form serves to establish a clear visual identity while maintaining a humble presence in the skyline. The elevation of the cabins provides a physical separation from the chaos below, allowing users to experience a sense of refuge.



Spatial Organization

Inside the cabins, thoughtful planning creates an inviting journey. A winding pathway encircles the central metallic structure, offering a route that encourages reflection. This arrangement helps users connect more deeply with their surroundings, aligning with the meditative purpose of the space. The design prompts visitors to move mindfully and consider their experiences.



Light and Atmosphere

Natural light is a key element of the cabin's experience. A light source positioned at the top illuminates the interior space with a gentle glow. This soft light creates an atmosphere that supports contemplation. The interaction between light and shadow is integral to the design, enhancing a sense of calm and focus within the environment.



Materiality and Construction

Materials chosen for the cabins support the design's vision. The lightweight metallic structure provides essential support, allowing for an open and airy space. Translucent glass allows natural light to enter while maintaining privacy. This careful material selection strengthens both the function and the appearance of the meditation cabins.



Light enters the cabins in soft streams, and the outside noise fades, creating a tranquil environment ideal for reflection and mindfulness.

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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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