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Noren Entrance Framing a Wooden Sanctuary for Urban Reflection

Author:
Stephen Wong
Noren Entrance Framing a Wooden Sanctuary for Urban Reflection
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The soothing entrance framed by a traditional noren cloth leads to a wooden sanctuary designed for meditation, providing a reflective space that embraces urban life in Tokyo.
5 key facts about this project
01
Entrance inspired by traditional Japanese noren curtain Designed for both communal and individual use Wooden screen wall enhances privacy and warmth Modular construction allows for easy relocation Strategically placed swing doors promote natural light and views.

The meditation cabin is located in the busy setting of Tokyo, specifically at Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue. It serves as a space for rest, reflection, and rejuvenation, responding to the need for quiet areas in a crowded urban environment. The design concept focuses on blending personal relaxation with opportunities for community engagement, creating a peaceful haven within the city's vibrancy.

Spatial Organization

The design presents a clear separation between public and private areas. The exterior invites social interaction and casual sitting, allowing users to connect with one another. In contrast, the interior is crafted for private meditation. This structure supports both community bonding and individual moments of peace, reflecting the varied lifestyles of urban dwellers.

Cultural Inspiration

Drawing from traditional Japanese architecture, the entrance is influenced by the noren curtain, offering a welcoming passage into the meditation area. This design choice promotes tranquility as individuals transition from the lively city outside to the quiet space within. It serves not just as an entrance but as a symbol of calm and reflection.

Materiality

Natural materials are essential in creating the desired atmosphere. The cabin features wood prominently, which adds warmth to the interior. A wooden screen wall enhances privacy, allowing users to escape from the external noise and distractions. This choice of materials highlights a connection to nature while incorporating aspects of traditional design.

Lighting and Interaction

Swing doors positioned at both ends of the cabin offer outdoor views, enriching the user's experience. This feature allows natural light to enter the meditation space while encouraging a connection to the environment. Users can engage visually with the surroundings, bridging the gap between the tranquil interior and the lively urban world beyond.

The design integrates these elements thoughtfully, resulting in a space where tranquility can be experienced. It invites users to pause and reflect, promoting moments of peace and self-discovery within their day.

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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

Open architecture competitions

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