Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Meditative Spaces With Porous Structures and Spiky Antennae

Author:
Ethan Seaver
Meditative Spaces With Porous Structures and Spiky Antennae

Project in-detail

With its spiky antennae and porous structure, the design offers a unique meditative environment that encourages introspection and exploration of the subconscious.
5 key facts about this project
01
Meditation cabins designed as anomalous organisms with unique structural features.
02
Spiky antennae extend the user’s meditative space, creating sensory barriers.
03
Internal layout minimizes sensory input to enhance quiet reflection.
04
Modular design adapts to user needs and site conditions through varying frond sizes.
05
Symbolic representation of a "shore" illustrating the boundary between consciousness and subconscious.

The design draws inspiration from Haruki Murakami's "Kafka on the Shore," merging metaphysical themes and practical purposes to create a space for reflection. Located in an area conducive to meditation, the overall concept encourages individuals to engage with their inner thoughts, exploring the interplay between reality and imagination. This approach fosters an environment where users can traverse the boundaries of their consciousness.

Meditation Cabins

The main element of the design is the meditation cabins, described as "anomalous organisms from another world." These structures create breathable spaces that allow for personal introspection. The exterior features spiky antennae that extend the meditative area, acting as a barrier against outside distractions. This enhances the isolation individuals need for deep thought and contemplation.

Internal Composition

Inside the cabins, the design focuses on minimizing sensory input. This creates an environment that promotes quiet reflection, allowing users to connect with their subconscious without interruptions from the surrounding world. The layout encourages a deep engagement with personal thoughts, making the cabins a genuine oasis for introspection.

Modularity and Adaptability

A key aspect of the design is its modular nature, represented by the idea of "hylozoa." These adaptable structures respond to their environment and the behavior of users. Different frond sizes allow the cabins to adjust in shape and size based on specific needs or site conditions. This flexibility ensures that the spaces can offer a personalized experience, accommodating a variety of users and their requirements.

Duality of Experience

The project highlights the space between conscious awareness and subconscious exploration, illustrated as a "shore." This boundary signifies the complex relationship between different mental states. By creating environments that support this journey, the design acknowledges the importance of providing spaces where people can navigate their thoughts. Each cabin serves as a vessel for meditation and self-discovery, crafted to foster deeper introspection while encouraging users to engage fully with their inner landscapes.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
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 17,725 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