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Pneumatic Petals and Rainwater Collection in a Bamboo Meditation Space

Authors:
Marta Banachowicz, Jan Gołębiowski
Pneumatic Petals and Rainwater Collection in a Bamboo Meditation Space

Project in-detail

With its pneumatic petals and rainwater collection system integrated into a bamboo structure, the design creates a tranquil space for meditation while fostering a deep connection to the surrounding environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Bamboo construction elements create a sustainable and lightweight structure.
02
The cabin integrates a rainwater collection system within its foundation.
03
Pneumatic petals allow for adjustable openness and light control.
04
The design maximizes user connection to nature through transparent elements.
05
The structure accommodates up to three people for communal meditation.

The Meditation Lotus Cabin stands as a space for reflection and tranquility, drawing inspiration from the lotus flower, which symbolizes purity and spiritual rebirth. Located in a natural setting, the design encourages mindfulness and connection to the environment. It offers a unique place for meditation, inviting individuals to immerse themselves in the calming influence of both the structure and its surroundings.

Structural Composition

The cabin features a polygonal layout with eight sides, surrounded by eight petals. This geometric design allows for flexibility, as the petals can be opened or closed, creating different atmospheres. When closed, the cabin provides a sense of security and solitude, while opening the petals allows light to fill the space and connects users to the outdoor landscape. The interaction between the structure and nature changes throughout the day, enhancing the meditative experience.

Materiality and Functionality

Underneath, the cabin rests on a reinforced concrete basin that serves as a foundation and as a rainwater catchment system. This practical approach not only stabilizes the building but also incorporates sustainable practices. The eight petals are made from prefabricated parts that can be easily assembled or replaced if necessary. The petals consist of vertical cores and horizontal beams, primarily using bamboo for its strength and environmentally friendly characteristics. This choice aligns with the project's focus on sustainability.

User Experience

The design does not include electrical installations, which reduces exposure to electromagnetic waves. This choice contributes to a calm and peaceful environment, fostering a deeper sense of connection to nature. Able to accommodate up to three people, the cabin’s layout supports both shared and solo reflection, providing space for contemplation while maintaining a comfortable intimacy.

The manual opening mechanism resembles the natural process of a lotus flower opening. Users can decide when to reveal or close off the cabin, allowing for a personal experience that alternates between sheltered comfort and open exposure to the elements. The design reflects a thoughtful approach to creating a space that prioritizes both functionality and serenity.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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