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Elevated Spaces with Japanese Cypress in a Community Retreat

Authors:
Mason Wilson, Aaron Best
Elevated Spaces with Japanese Cypress in a Community Retreat

Project in-detail

A suspended meditation platform created with Japanese Cypress invites users to disconnect from urban life and connect with nature in a communal retreat for self-reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
A suspended platform allows users to meditate above their belongings.
02
Integrated flower pots support local biodiversity through community involvement.
03
Craftsmanship reflects traditional Japanese wood joinery techniques from the Edo Period.
04
Light Japanese Cypress provides durability and resistance in an urban environment.
05
Modular design enables adaptability across various urban locations in Tokyo.

Tranzendent Garden is located in the vibrant urban environment of Tokyo, providing a space for self-reflection and meditation. Users can leave behind their material belongings and step into a calming atmosphere designed to promote mindfulness and tranquility. The project combines functional elements with a serene setting, inviting people to find peace amidst the city's hustle and bustle.

Design Integration

The design incorporates built-in benches and storage shelves that allow users to organize their belongings before entering a meditative state. These practical features not only serve a purpose but also create a tidy environment. By providing places to store personal items, the structure helps users prepare mentally for their experience, reducing distractions.

Elevated Meditative Experience

Central to the structure is a suspended platform or net that elevates users closer to the garden aspect of the design. This choice creates a sense of separation from the everyday concerns of city life. By positioning users above their belongings, the space encourages relaxation and focus, making it easier to engage in meaningful self-reflection.

Connection to Nature

Flower pots containing native Japanese seeds are evenly spread throughout the wooden elements of the structure. This addition brings a bit of nature into the heart of the urban landscape. Local community members are invited to participate by growing plants, fostering connection and promoting sustainability. This integration of natural elements helps create a balanced environment that enhances users' overall experiences.

Craftsmanship and Materiality

Tranzendent Garden pays tribute to traditional Japanese wood joinery techniques used since the Edo Period. The choice of light Japanese Cypress enhances the durability and resistance of the structure against the elements of Tokyo's environment. This careful selection of materials not only supports the building's longevity but also respects the cultural context from which it arises.

The elevated platform, designed specifically for meditation, draws users into a space where they can find stillness above their everyday lives. The garden aspect invites a sense of calm, making it a unique destination within the busy 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

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