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Elevated Retreats with Natural Light and Dark Cladding

Author:
Ethan Paquette
Elevated Retreats with Natural Light and Dark Cladding

Project in-detail

With its large skylight, contrasting dark cladding, and light wood interiors, the design offers a serene retreat in the heart of Tokyo, providing a quiet space for reflection amid urban chaos.
5 key facts about this project
01
Large skylight enhances natural light and creates a calming atmosphere.
02
Constructed with a light-framed wood assembly for rapid urban deployment.
03
Elevated platform design serves as both entry and public seating.
04
Dark exterior cladding offers privacy and contrasts with the light interior.
05
Modular design allows for easy relocation based on user demand.

Hinan is situated in the bustling urban landscape of Tokyo, a city with over fourteen million residents. It aims to create secluded spaces for individuals seeking a break from the busy environment surrounding them. The project focuses on providing a calm atmosphere that helps reduce stress and promotes a sense of safety. It brings together elements of traditional Japanese design to connect users with nature, all while offering a practical and comforting space.

Design Concept
The idea behind Hinan draws heavily on principles found in traditional Japanese architecture, where there is a strong relationship between buildings and nature. A large skylight is a central feature, allowing natural light to pour into the interior. This design choice seeks to create an open and peaceful environment, giving a feeling of being outdoors while remaining inside. The emphasis is on creating a space that feels both welcoming and restorative.

Privacy and Materiality
A key aspect of the design is the lack of lateral windows, which greatly enhances user privacy. This is particularly important in a city like Tokyo, where finding moments of quiet can be challenging. The interior features light wood, which creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. In contrast, the dark exterior cladding distinguishes the structure from its urban surroundings. This combination enhances the design's purpose, offering a quiet retreat in an often chaotic setting.

Construction Methodology
Hinan focuses on portability and modularity, which are vital in urban environments. The design employs a light-framed wood assembly, allowing small teams to quickly build the structures without disrupting the surrounding area. Each cabin sits on a temporary concrete foundation, which provides stability while requiring minimal excavation. The small concrete footings are designed to withstand seismic forces, considering the geographical challenges of Tokyo.

Implementation Strategy
The roll-out of Hinan will take place in various phases, beginning with installations at Shibuya Crossing, a busy area populated by employees, tourists, and residents. Monitoring how people use the cabins in the first six months will inform decisions about further expansion. Each unit features a modular elevated platform leading up to a sliding door, also serving as public seating, which encourages community interaction.

The cabins, featuring light wood interiors, serve as a reminder of the balance between traditional design values and modern needs. They offer a simple yet effective solution for people looking for a moment of peace in the heart of the city.

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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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