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Meditation Cabin with Natural Gray Palette and Polycarbonate Walls

Authors:
Haowei Pan, Yu Gong, Zirui Jiang
Meditation Cabin with Natural Gray Palette and Polycarbonate Walls

Project in-detail

With a structure that emphasizes traditional Japanese windows and a calming Rikyu gray color palette, the meditation cabin serves as a refuge for urban dwellers seeking mindfulness in the heart of Tokyo.
5 key facts about this project
01
Meditation cabin incorporates traditional Japanese windows for optimal ventilation and natural light.
02
Rikyu gray color palette aids in creating a calming environment for users.
03
Design accommodates various meditation postures, enhancing user experience.
04
Integrated storage solutions minimize distractions during meditation sessions.
05
Optimized dimensions ensure seamless integration within Tokyo's narrow urban streets.

The meditation cabin concept is set against the backdrop of Tokyo, a bustling city known for its crowded streets and vibrant life. This design aims to create a quiet space for meditation that allows users to step away from the busy environment. Inspired by the Torii gate, the cabin serves as a threshold that connects the outside world with a space dedicated to personal reflection. It addresses the increasing demand for peaceful areas within the urban setting, providing a place where individuals can find solace.

Design Intent

The interior of the cabin is designed to be flexible, allowing for different types of meditation, such as walking, sitting, standing, and lying down. This flexibility is important as it allows users to choose their preferred way of engaging with the space. The layout balances openness with privacy, giving people the freedom to meditate without feeling exposed.

Light and Air Quality

A key feature of the design is its focus on light and air quality. The cabin includes traditional Japanese windows that can be opened to let in fresh air and natural light. This design aspect is essential in creating a calming atmosphere for meditation. The incorporation of polycarbonate material enhances the flow of light, helping to keep the space bright and inviting.

Urban Context

The project responds to the challenges posed by Tokyo's narrow streets. By carefully considering the size of the cabin, the design ensures that it does not disrupt the surrounding area. This mindful approach allows the meditation cabin to fit into the urban landscape without overwhelming it. The efficient use of space provides an essential retreat in a city filled with busy activity.

Consideration for Users

Further attention has been given to user needs with the inclusion of practical elements like hooks and electronic storage boxes. These features help reduce distractions and ensure that users can fully engage with their meditation. By considering everyday necessities, the cabin enhances the overall experience, making it easier for individuals to connect with themselves.

An inviting entrance leads into the cabin, marking the shift from the fast-paced city to a private space meant for reflection and calm.

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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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