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Reflection in White and Black: A Serene Meditation Cabin with Mirrored Skin

Authors:
Giulio Violanti, Tommaso Pistolesi, Simone Palmieri
Reflection in White and Black: A Serene Meditation Cabin with Mirrored Skin

Project in-detail

A monolithic cabin with a mirrored exterior reflects its urban surroundings while providing a serene space for meditation, emphasizing introspection through its circular interior and careful use of light.
5 key facts about this project
01
A mirrored exterior reflects urban activity, merging the cabin with its environment.
02
The circular interior promotes a sense of safety and intimacy for users.
03
Zenithal light enters through a top circular opening, enhancing the meditative atmosphere.
04
Wooden elements provide natural warmth while supporting structural integrity.
05
The design adheres to the golden ratio, creating balanced proportions throughout.

The architectural design titled "反射" or "Reflect" is located in a busy urban area, where city life can often feel overwhelming. The cabin is designed to be a space for meditation and reflection, providing a peaceful contrast to the surrounding hustle and bustle. Its main aim is to create an intimate environment that encourages users to pause and engage in thoughtful contemplation.

Reflective Surface

The cabin features a monolithic structure with a mirrored exterior that interacts with the surrounding environment. This reflective surface serves to blend the cabin visually into its context while inviting users to think about their surroundings. The shape of the building is defined by a squared plan, with the front elevation following the principles of the golden ratio, crafting a sense of balance and aesthetic appeal.

Structural Composition

Three main components make up the cabin. The first is a wooden framework that provides support. This material choice lends warmth to the structure, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Next is the mirrored exterior skin, which reflects light and activities from the area, allowing the cabin to engage with its surroundings effectively. Lastly, the interiors are semi-translucent, which helps soften the incoming light and fosters a calm space for meditation.

Interior Design

At the heart of the cabin lies a circular area that acts as a refuge for those seeking tranquility. This circular space is designed to feel like a warm embrace, making users feel safe and at ease. It invites individuals to retreat from the noise of the city. An opening in the roof allows light to pour in, creating a play of shadows and highlights that enrich the meditative quality of the interior space.

Zenithal Light

The light that enters through the circular opening plays an important role in shaping the experience inside the cabin. This zenithal light enhances the curved forms within, reinforcing a sense of openness. It not only brightens the space but also encourages individuals to connect their inner thoughts with the external environment. The light changes throughout the day, offering a different experience from morning to evening, and further deepening the contemplative atmosphere the design aims to provide.

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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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