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Lattice of Ivy and Tatami for Urban Serenity

Authors:
Tan Lei, Watanabe Ikuho
Lattice of Ivy and Tatami for Urban Serenity
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A lattice of ivy frames tatami-covered interiors within the Tokyo Urban Meditation Cabins, offering a serene escape for reflection and community in the heart of the city.
5 key facts about this project
01
Torii gates frame both sides of the cabins, marking the entry to a meditative space.
02
Tatami mats provide traditional seating while enhancing the authentic atmosphere.
03
Plant ivy is integrated into the lattice, allowing light to filter softy while ensuring privacy.
04
Movable curtains create flexible configurations for various user interactions.
05
The cabins promote community engagement along with personal reflection in the urban environment.

The Tokyo Urban Meditation Cabins are located in a busy part of Tokyo, providing a space for people to find peace amid the city's noise. Designed to promote both personal reflection and social interaction, the cabins draw inspiration from Shinto traditions. The main idea of the design is to explore the relationship between the inner space and the outside world, highlighting the importance of transition in architectural form.

Torii Gate Significance

A central feature of the cabins is the torii gate. This symbol marks the entry to a sacred area in Japanese culture. By placing the gate at both sides of the cabin, the design establishes a clear boundary between everyday life and a place of meditation. It serves as an invitation for users to step into a space where they can feel protected and free from the stresses of urban life.

Interior Layout

Inside the cabins, the design is straightforward yet effective. Essential elements include a passageway, tatami mats, and curtains that can be moved. The tatami mats serve as both flooring and seating, providing a traditional Japanese atmosphere. The curtains add flexibility to the space, allowing visitors to create their own settings for either quiet time or socializing.

Integration of Nature

Natural elements are incorporated into the cabins through a lattice that features plant ivy. This greenery introduces a soft quality to the interior, allowing light to filter gently and maintaining a level of privacy. Additionally, planters within the space further connect users to nature, making the environment feel warm and inviting.

Focus on Well-Being

The design emphasizes creating a sense of well-being and mindfulness. The arrangement of the interior encourages visitors to interact freely, whether they want to spend time alone or enjoy conversations with others. Each cabin acts like a small world where users can connect with themselves and their surroundings. The careful arrangement and natural light create a calming experience, inviting visitors to pause and appreciate the tranquility found within the space.

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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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