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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

Project in-detail

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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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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