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Flowing Water and Bronze Tanks in a Tranquil Meditation Space

Author:
José Kuski vieira
Flowing Water and Bronze Tanks in a Tranquil Meditation Space

Project in-detail

A closed water circuit flows alongside a wavy polycarbonate wall, creating a serene atmosphere enhanced by bronze seating, designed to provide a contemplative space for meditation in the heart of Tokyo.
5 key facts about this project
01
Water circuit enhances sensory experience and promotes tranquility.
02
Cabins feature a wavy polycarbonate wall that refracts natural light.
03
Bronze tank provides seating while symbolizing natural landscapes.
04
Submersible lighting creates a soft glow, resembling lanterns.
05
Design emphasizes sustainability through reusable and recyclable materials.

The Tokyo Urban Meditation Cabins provide a peaceful escape amid the busy urban landscape of Tokyo. Designed to promote mindfulness and reflection, the cabins are influenced by Toro Nagashi, a traditional Japanese lantern festival. The central concept involves a form that appears to float, designed to minimize its impact on the surroundings while offering a calming space for meditation.

Design Concept

The cabins are characterized by a wavy wall made of polycarbonate. This feature shapes the structure and interacts with light, allowing it to dance across surfaces in a gentle manner. The undulating design creates a conversation with nature, inviting users to immerse themselves in their surroundings and enjoy a sense of tranquility.

Water Element

A standout aspect of the design is the closed water circuit that flows around the cabins. This water element adds a soothing visual and audible presence, enhancing the calming atmosphere. The water flows into a bronze tank, an important part of the design that echoes natural elements and connects users to the environment.

Interior Arrangement

The bronze tank features seating for meditation and foot supports designed to resemble stones. This thoughtful detail encourages users to feel a connection to nature, bringing a tangible element of the landscape inside. The interior is organized to provide comfort while maintaining an open feeling, allowing users to engage with the flowing water just outside.

Lighting

The use of underwater lighting enhances the experience in the cabins. This lighting creates a soft glow that illuminates the water and the wavy wall, resembling the effect of lanterns at twilight. The warm light fosters a welcoming atmosphere, highlighting the cabins’ purpose as spaces for reflection and quietude within the urban setting.

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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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