Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Portable Meditation Cabins with Flexible Design and Integrated Technology

Authors:
Daniela Carstens, Catalina Sanhueza
Portable Meditation Cabins with Flexible Design and Integrated Technology

Project in-detail

With a design inspired by traditional Japanese lamps, these portable cabins integrate USB-powered lighting and ergonomic dimensions, offering a private space for meditation in the heart of Tokyo's urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by Japanese lamps, promoting a unique sense of tranquility.
02
Portable design allows for easy relocation in urban areas.
03
Ergonomic dimensions ensure user comfort and privacy during meditation.
04
USB-powered lighting enhances the meditative atmosphere with dim, calming light.
05
Constructed with a focus on flexibility and transparency in the user experience.

The Tokyo Urban Meditation Cabins provide a thoughtful solution to the busy lifestyle found in urban settings. Located in the bustling heart of Tokyo, these cabins are designed as private spaces for meditation and reflection, offering a break from the relentless pace of city life. The overall concept centers around mobility and adaptability, enabling users to move the cabins easily to different locations. This feature enhances accessibility to quiet spaces for those seeking a moment of peace amidst urban activity.

Inspiration and Design Concept

Drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese lamps, the design incorporates a folding and unfolding mechanism. This choice promotes efficient use of space and reflects the need for flexibility in a contemporary city like Tokyo. Users can set up the cabins wherever they find a suitable spot, making them practical for daily life in a crowded environment.

User-Centered Ergonomics

Attention to human dimensions has been a key part of developing the meditation cabins. The dimensions are tailored to ensure comfort and privacy, allowing individuals to engage in meditation without distractions. By focusing on ergonomic design, the cabins provide a supportive environment for reflective activities, catering to the needs of users.

Technological Integration

An important feature of the design is the integration of technology. Each cabin connects to users' cell phones through a USB port, allowing for the activation of dim lighting inside. This lighting creates a calm atmosphere that enriches the experience of meditation. As the light glows, it casts shadows of the individuals inside, creating a distinct visual presence against the lively backdrop of the city.

Material Execution

The materials chosen for the cabins highlight qualities such as flexibility, lightness, and transparency. These elements engage with the surrounding environment while offering a comfortable space for users. The careful selection of materials aligns with the aim of creating spaces that promote well-being and respond effectively to the demands of urban living.

The design of the cabins, with their straightforward yet effective features, invites users to pause and reflect against the backdrop of Tokyo's vibrant life.

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