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Golden Fabric Sanctuary with Paulownia Structure

Author:
Aiko Timmons
Golden Fabric Sanctuary with Paulownia Structure
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Constructed with a Paulownia frame and adorned with gold fabric, this portable cabin offers a meditative retreat that blends sustainability with urban adaptability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed from lightweight Paulownia hardwood for easy mobility.
02
Incorporates a three-layer curtaining system for enhanced privacy.
03
Features a polycarbonate roof to maximize natural light and rain runoff.
04
Utilizes recycled rubber matting for comfort during meditation.
05
Emits a warm glow through gold fabric, creating an inviting atmosphere.

The Tokyo Urban Meditation Cabin Project is a thoughtful design aimed at addressing the needs of urban living. Located in a bustling city, the cabin serves as a space for meditation and reflection. Its design concept revolves around a portable structure with a small footprint, resembling a lantern that invites calmness amidst the chaos of city life.

Design Concept
The design focuses on the connection between inside and outside spaces. A transparent threshold allows for interaction while protecting the occupant's privacy. The walls utilize a three-layer curtaining system that blurs visibility from the outside, creating a serene atmosphere. This layering encourages quiet contemplation and transforms the cabin into a personal retreat.

Materiality
Sustainability is at the core of this design. The frame is made from Paulownia hardwood, a lightweight material sourced from Japan. This choice supports the structure's portability and offers durability. Inside, recycled rubber matting adds comfort for those using the kneeling space. The roof is constructed with polycarbonate, which maximizes natural light entrance. Linen textile covers the façade, enhancing the overall look while enriching the experience for users inside.

Lighting and Climate Adaptability
Lighting design plays a crucial role in maintaining a welcoming atmosphere throughout the day and night. Gold fabric integrated into the structure collects daylight, and LED panel lights provide consistent illumination in the evening. The polycarbonate roof is designed with a low slope to help rain flow off easily. This adaptation makes the cabin functional throughout various weather conditions, ensuring it can be used year-round.

Unique to this cabin is its ability to create a warm, inviting space that encourages tranquility, allowing users to engage in reflection while surrounded by the energy of the urban environment.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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