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Red and Black Steel Structure for Reflective Meditation

Authors:
Shichuang Xu, Jiapan Sun, Zujian Liu
Red and Black Steel Structure for Reflective Meditation
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The combination of a black steel exterior and vibrant red interior creates a focused environment for meditation, allowing occupants to disconnect from distractions and engage in quiet reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed for a meditative experience, promoting deep reflection.
02
Exterior clad in a black steel skin to enhance isolation.
03
Interior spaces are predominantly filled with vibrant red.
04
Geometric shape allows for versatile placement in various environments.
05
Construction utilizes red and black steel plates for durability and aesthetics.

The Red and the Black TIN HOUSE is a designed space that emphasizes quiet reflection and meditation. It is placed in a peaceful environment, encouraging occupants to step away from daily distractions. The design focuses on the contrast between the outer and inner spaces to enhance the experience of introspection.

Form and Aesthetics

The tin house features a regular geometric shape covered in black. This choice provides a stark appearance, creating a sense of enclosure. The simple geometry allows the structure to fit into various settings, making it adaptable for different locations while still maintaining its identity.

Interiors and Color Palette

Inside, vibrant red fills the main areas and the stairs. This color choice is purposeful, engaging occupants and promoting emotional responses. The red interior offers a warm contrast to the black exterior, fostering a calm environment that encourages thoughtful contemplation. The colors work together to create a space that feels intimate and supportive of meditation.

Material Considerations

The building uses red and black steel plates as its primary materials, chosen for their strength and aesthetics. These materials provide durability and enhance the overall modern feel of the design. The use of steel allows for both stability and a certain lightness, aligning with the project's intentions to create a contemplative space.

Environmental Integration

The design allows the TIN HOUSE to blend into its surroundings while serving as a dedicated space for meditation. By focusing on isolation, it reduces distractions from the outside world. The thoughtful arrangement of spaces promotes a deep connection between users and their environment, heightening their reflective experience.

The transitions between the interior and exterior invite individuals to move from the outside noise into a realm created for focused thought. The contrast of colors, black and red, guides this journey, marking the shift from distraction to introspection.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000€ Prize / 2025
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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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