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Meditation Lantern Crafted From Bamboo and Tyvek in Urban Retreat

Authors:
Meihan Liu, Jiayi Liu, Yiyang Zha
Meditation Lantern Crafted From Bamboo and Tyvek in Urban Retreat

Project in-detail

A meditation lantern formed from bamboo and Tyvek offers a calming retreat in Tokyo's urban landscape, inviting individuals to find tranquility away from the city’s hustle.
5 key facts about this project
01
A meditation lantern design integrates sustainable Tyvek and bamboo materials.
02
The structure allows for elevated views of the surrounding urban landscape.
03
Soft amber lighting enhances the calming atmosphere throughout the space.
04
Carefully designed for pedestrian accessibility in narrow Tokyo alleys.
05
Incorporates a recycling initiative for sustainable material use.

"Century センチュリブレット Returns" is positioned in the vibrant city of Tokyo, where the fast-paced urban life often overshadows moments of stillness. The design concept revolves around a lantern, which serves as a symbol of meditation and cultural history. By incorporating this element, the project aims to provide a quiet space for individuals to step away from the city's constant buzz. The intention is to create a refuge that encourages reflection and a deeper connection with the surroundings.

Cultural Influence

The design draws inspiration from traditional Japanese lanterns, which have been used for generations. These lanterns not only illuminate but also add beauty to their surroundings. In the project, this historical reference is translated into architectural forms that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The soft light emitted from the lanterns contrasts with the concrete and glass of the urban landscape, offering a peaceful respite.

Movement and Accessibility

A key element of the design is its focus on pedestrian circulation. The layout allows for movement through narrow alleyways, an essential aspect of Tokyo's urban fabric. This respect for existing pathways enhances accessibility and invites people to explore the area. Elevated platforms within the design provide new vantage points, giving visitors a fresh perspective on the city around them while encouraging active engagement.

Materials Used

Material choices play an important role in achieving the design's goals. Tyvek is utilized for its durability and sustainability, supporting a recycling initiative within the project. This use of a modern material aligns with contemporary environmental practices. Additionally, Japanese bamboo is incorporated to form the structural framework, echoing traditional design methods while ensuring strength and flexibility.

Design Detail

The project combines modern LED lighting with the forms of traditional lanterns, striking a balance between old and new. This thoughtful integration fosters an environment conducive to contemplation and calmness. In a city renowned for its energy and pace, "Century センチュリブレット Returns" offers a subtle invitation for people to pause and reflect amidst their daily lives.

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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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