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Moss-Infused Serenity Within Live Edge Wood Retreat

Authors:
Justas Zadeika, Emmanuelle Adam
Moss-Infused Serenity Within Live Edge Wood Retreat
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Moss-infused walls and live edge wood planks create a tranquil retreat in the heart of Tokyo, designed for meditation and personal reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Moss integrated into walls for enhanced acoustics and air quality.
02
Live edge wood planks create a natural aesthetic and tactile experience.
03
Tech-enabled touchscreen tablet offers customizable meditation settings.
04
A dedicated wardrobe area encourages users to leave outside stress behind.
05
Dome lighting feature simulates cycles of natural light to enhance relaxation.

The Breathe-In meditation cabin is located in the busy Marunouchi area of Tokyo, where many people pass through daily. Designed as a quiet space for mindfulness and reflection, the cabin serves as a retreat from the stresses of city life. The overall concept is centered on creating a space that immerses users in nature, allowing them to disconnect and find peace in a hectic environment.

Materials and Structure

The exterior features live edge wood planks that draw attention to their natural form. This choice enhances the sound quality within the cabin, allowing for an experience that is both calming and emotionally resonant. The design encourages a shift from the chaotic outside world to a tranquil interior, offering comfort and safety for those who enter.

Sustainability and Functionality

Sustainability plays a key role in the design. Moss is used between the wooden planks, adding a unique visual element while also improving the space’s sound absorption and air quality. This integration of natural elements deepens the connection between users and their surroundings, providing a refreshing and healthy atmosphere.

User Experience and Interaction

Inside, a dome lighting feature creates an inviting atmosphere, adjusting the lighting to reflect changes in nature. This element not only enhances the overall experience but also allows users to feel more in tune with their environment. Technology is used thoughtfully, with a touchscreen tablet that lets users customize their meditation settings. They can choose from various soundscapes and lighting options that mimic different natural settings, allowing for a personal experience.

Final Design Detail

A wardrobe area for coats and bags invites visitors to leave their outside world behind, further deepening their immersion into the calming space. The seating area is spacious and comfortable, encouraging users to relax and engage fully in their meditation practice. This thoughtful design nurtures a connection not only with oneself but also with the natural world surrounding the cabin.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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