Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Meditative Cabanas Featuring Plant Integration and Transparent Glass in Urban Ecology

Author:
Ethan Seaver
Meditative Cabanas Featuring Plant Integration and Transparent Glass in Urban Ecology

Project in-detail

Nestled within an urban landscape, the transparent glass structures and integrated plant life create a harmonious sanctuary for meditation and self-reflection, bridging the gap between nature and the city.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates flexible modular units that adapt to diverse user needs and urban conditions.
02
Integrated plant life is strategically placed to enhance biodiversity while creating a calming atmosphere.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural support while promoting sustainable building practices.
04
The transparent glass elements foster a seamless connection between the interior spaces and the surrounding environment.
05
Charred wooden shingles add a unique visual texture and enhance weather resistance for longevity.
This project offers an innovative exploration of architectural design, harmonizing themes of urban existence, psychological introspection, and ecosystem interaction. Drawing inspiration from cultural narratives, specifically the literary works of Haruki Murakami, this architecture project examines the complexities of consciousness and reality through an engaging built environment. By merging artistic concepts with practical functionality, the design serves to enrich the urban landscape, inviting users to explore their surroundings on multiple levels.

The project features modular structures that embody flexibility and adaptability, characteristics that are increasingly essential in contemporary architecture. Each component is designed to respond to user needs while also fostering a connection to the surrounding space. The architectural elements include meditation cabanas, which serve as serene retreats within the urban environment, encouraging both reflection and engagement with nature. These structures exemplify a thoughtful balance between privacy and openness, allowing for individual contemplation while remaining connected to the vibrant life beyond their walls.

Materials play a significant role in this design, with a focus on sustainability and environmental integration. A combination of glass, steel, concrete, plant-based materials, and resin is employed to create an inviting atmosphere. The use of glass enhances transparency, enabling a continuous dialogue between the interior and the external landscape. Steel provides a strong framework, allowing for creative forms while ensuring structural integrity. Concrete contributes durability, grounding the project in its urban context. The incorporation of plant-based materials not only enhances the sensory experience but also promotes ecological harmony and well-being.

Visual elements within the project are carefully curated to offer diverse experiences. Warm earthy tones are thoughtfully interspersed with vibrant hues, reflecting the duality of urban living. The design skillfully balances geometric forms with organic shapes, representing the constant interplay between order and chaos typical of modern cities. The layering of spatial experiences invites users to engage with the architecture on various levels, fostering a deeper connection with their surroundings.

The project is also notable for its unique approach to modularity. By embracing a responsive design philosophy, the structures are intended to evolve in tandem with user behaviors and urban dynamics. This flexibility ensures that the architecture remains relevant and functional over time, a crucial consideration in the ever-changing landscape of urban life.

Engagement with the subconscious is a recurring theme in the project, mirroring Murakami's narratives about the intertwining of dreams and reality. This element encourages users to explore their thoughts and feelings in a tranquil setting, highlighting the role of architecture as a facilitator of mental and emotional well-being. Each interaction with the space is intended to evoke introspection and reflection, grounding individuals amid the complexities of city life.

To fully appreciate the intricacies of this architectural design, a closer examination of the architectural plans, sections, and designs is recommended. Each element reveals layers of thought, intent, and creativity that collectively shape the user experience. This project exemplifies a thoughtful integration of architecture with cultural and psychological dimensions, making it a significant subject for further exploration. Readers are encouraged to delve into the presentation to uncover the full range of architectural ideas and inspirations that inform this compelling project.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy