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Light Chimney Retreat in a Steel and Cement Structure

Authors:
Polpipat Naksawat, Teerakan Wattanayon, Ratasakon Chantaluxsul
Light Chimney Retreat in a Steel and Cement Structure

Project in-detail

A light chimney integrated into a steel and cement structure creates a tranquil retreat that invites urban dwellers to pause and meditate amidst the bustling environment of Shibuya Station.
5 key facts about this project
01
Light chimney enhances natural light and promotes mindfulness in a busy urban setting.
02
Playful swings evoke nostalgia, encouraging user interaction and reflection.
03
Designed for easy installation and disassembly to adapt to various environments.
04
Located at Shibuya Station, providing accessible tranquility for commuters.
05
Seasonal adaptability allows for optimized comfort throughout the year.

Hidden Buranko provides a meditative space within the busy urban environment of Shibuya Station. The focus is on creating a calm refuge for individuals who experience the daily pressures of city life. By emphasizing mindfulness and reflection, Hidden Buranko aims to establish connections between users and their surroundings, including elements that tap into nostalgia and childhood memories.

Design Concept
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The main idea of Hidden Buranko is to offer a place for retreat and self-reflection amid the city's chaos. Swings are included as a playful design feature, bringing forth memories of childhood that inspire feelings of happiness and freedom. This element is paired with a “light chimney,” which serves as a central point for concentration, helping to redirect attention away from distractions and inviting individuals to explore their inner thoughts.

Spatial Organization
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The design carefully organizes space to enhance meditation while overcoming the constraints typical of public areas. Enclosures are created to form boundaries that provide safety and privacy, allowing individuals to engage fully with their experience. The layout is designed for easy installation and removal, making it adaptable to different urban settings.

Environmental Considerations
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Hidden Buranko takes into account various environmental factors, adapting to seasonal changes to enhance user experience. During winter, sunlight plays a crucial role in warmth, and the chimney is designed to adjust for optimal temperature control. In autumn, airflow is considered to provide comfort, while summer adjustments allow natural light and ventilation to flow effectively. Even in rainy weather, the design maintains its appeal and offers a visual focus that helps to reduce the feeling of urban overload.

Material Usage
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The construction includes a light steel frame and cement board. These materials stand out for their durability and ability to provide soundproofing. They facilitate easy upkeep and contribute to the overall functionality of the structure, making it suitable for public engagement in a lively environment.


With its thoughtful design, Hidden Buranko encourages tranquility and connection. The adjustable light chimney is a notable feature, letting sunlight create a welcoming environment that changes with the seasons. This reflects the project's goal of blending harmoniously into the urban context while serving the needs of the community.

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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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