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Rain-Connected Sanctuary with Calm Walls and Fine Wood

Author:
Mizuki Kobayashi
Rain-Connected Sanctuary with Calm Walls and Fine Wood

Project in-detail

Emphasizing water as a central element, the cabin integrates calm walls and fine wood to create a tranquil space for meditation amidst Tokyo's urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates traditional elements like the Kusaritoi to highlight historical connections to water.
02
The cabin features an immersive rain sound experience for enhanced meditation.
03
Natural materials such as calm walls and finely grained wood create a warm interior atmosphere.
04
Strategic openings promote natural light and views while connecting to the surrounding landscape.
05
The layout is meticulously crafted to support a fluid connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

The Physiological Delight is a meditation cabin located in Tokyo, designed to create a peaceful retreat amid the city's busy environment. It draws inspiration from the historical relationship between Tokyo and water, using this connection to promote well-being. The cabin encourages visitors to engage with nature, primarily through the calming effects of water sounds, creating an environment suitable for meditation and reflection.

Historical Context

The design is influenced by the Edo period, a time when water was an essential element of urban life. Rivers and canals shaped Tokyo's culture and provided spaces for relaxation and spirituality. By incorporating elements reminiscent of traditional structures, such as the "Kusaritoi," the cabin emphasizes the connection between humanity and nature, providing a meaningful space for contemplation.

Materiality and Aesthetics

The materials chosen for the cabin enhance its tranquil atmosphere. The design includes calm walls and finely grained wood, which help create a warm and inviting environment. This focus on natural finishes encourages visitors to feel at ease, allowing them to engage more deeply with their surroundings. The cabin's aesthetic draws from the beauty of simplicity found in traditional Japanese architecture.

Spatial Configuration

The arrangement of spaces within the cabin is carefully planned to promote fluid movement and interaction with nature. Large openings in the design allow for ample natural light and views of the landscape, connecting the interior experience to the outside world. This thoughtful layout enhances the feeling of openness, making it easier for visitors to step away from the urban pace and find some quiet.

The cabin's design places significant emphasis on sound, specifically the experience of rain. This focus on auditory elements creates a soothing environment, which is crucial for meditation. The rain sounds become a key part of the experience, reinforcing the goal of promoting a deep connection to nature and well-being.

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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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