Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Elevated Meditation Cabin Embracing Traditional Japanese Elements

Author:
Haining Ding
Elevated Meditation Cabin Embracing Traditional Japanese Elements

Project in-detail

Rising above the urban landscape, the meditation cabin integrates traditional Japanese elements to create a tranquil space for reflection and mindfulness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated to provide a physical and mental escape from urban noise.
02
Integrates traditional Japanese architectural elements such as the Torii gate.
03
Designed as a public sanctuary with a strong emphasis on mindfulness.
04
Enclosed structure enhances privacy and introspection.
05
Focuses on the therapeutic aspects of architectural space.

The Torii is a meditation cabin design inspired by the traditional Japanese architectural element known as the Torii gate. Located in an urban area, it serves as a public sanctuary that offers a quiet space for reflection and contemplation. The design emphasizes the importance of tranquility in the midst of a bustling city, creating a retreat that allows individuals to escape the daily stresses of urban life.

Elevated Structure

The design features an elevated structure that lifts the enclosed room off the ground. This choice establishes a clear separation from the surrounding noise and activity of the city. The elevation creates both physical and mental barriers, allowing users to disconnect from distractions. The overall form of the cabin promotes a sense of peace, encouraging visitors to engage in personal reflection.

Therapeutic Function

Central to The Torii is its focus on the therapeutic aspects of architecture. The space is intended to promote mental well-being through meditation and mindfulness practices. By offering a serene environment, the cabin allows individuals to rejuvenate and center themselves. This design highlights how architecture can positively influence people's emotional states and overall health.

Cultural Integration

The Torii successfully integrates traditional Japanese design elements into a contemporary context. This thoughtful blending fosters a connection to cultural heritage while meeting modern needs. Attention to how users interact within the space underscores the importance of creating an environment that supports calmness and inner peace.

The simplicity of the design, along with its lack of overwhelming features, allows the cabin to fit quietly into its urban surroundings. It reinforces the idea of meditation as an accessible experience for all, echoing the need for moments of stillness in today's fast-paced world.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy