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Rammed Earth Retreat Utilizes Sound-Insulating Glazing for Urban Meditation

Author:
Niklas Neumann
Rammed Earth Retreat Utilizes Sound-Insulating Glazing for Urban Meditation

Project in-detail

Constructed with rammed earth and sound-insulating glazing, these cabins offer a sustainable retreat for meditation, providing a tranquil escape from the urban environment of Tokyo.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls enhance acoustic insulation while promoting sustainability.
02
Automated skylights provide ventilation to maintain a comfortable environment during use.
03
The use of sound-insulating glazing ensures auditory privacy within urban surroundings.
04
Interiors feature backlit shoji paper that softens lighting and adds cultural heritage.
05
Cabins incorporate versatile storage solutions tailored for personal and communal use.

The Tokyo Urban Meditation Cabins design proposal responds to the needs of city dwellers looking for quiet moments amidst the lively environment of Tokyo. These cabins focus on providing spaces for reflection and meditation, taking inspiration from the Enso, a symbol linked to Zen Buddhism. The overall design emphasizes harmony and simplicity, aiming to create a peaceful atmosphere for users.

Design Concept
The layout of each Meditation Cabin features circular patterns that align with Zen principles, promoting a natural flow throughout the space. This design encourages individuals to engage in meditation within a calming and visually appealing environment. The minimalist style removes unnecessary distractions, allowing the user’s experience to remain central.

Material Selection
Material choices are key in shaping the cabin’s character and functionality. A 3mm metal covering provides strength and durability. Solar foil from Heliatek and Kaneka supports sustainable energy use within the cabin. Sound-insulating glazing, specifically Trosifol® SC, helps to block out the outside noise of the busy city, creating an ideal space for quiet reflection.

Interior Design
Interiors emphasize comfort and practicality. A round bench with built-in storage accommodates personal items and communal cushions, combining functionality with simplicity. Soft lighting comes from backlit, tear-resistant shoji paper that lines the walls, enhancing the gentle atmosphere. Metal guide rails maintain the design’s clean lines while ensuring everything fits together well.

Operational Functionality
In each cabin, automated skylights provide ventilation, keeping the environment fresh and comfortable for users. The entrance door opens automatically, making it easy for people to access the space without noise interruption. This thoughtful approach to both technology and design allows individuals to enjoy the cabin experience fully, focusing on their meditation without distractions.

Overall, the design balances form with practical needs. It creates a space where individuals can escape from the pace of city life and engage in their own moments of tranquillity.

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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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