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Reflective Cabin with Circular Design for Urban Contemplation

Authors:
Giulio Violanti, Tommaso Pistolesi, Simone Palmieri
Reflective Cabin with Circular Design for Urban Contemplation
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The cabin's mirrored facade and circular design create a reflective space that invites urban dwellers to engage in meditation and contemplation amidst the city's bustle.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mirrored exterior reflects the urban environment, enhancing user engagement with the surroundings.
02
Circular opening at the top allows zenithal light to illuminate the interior, enhancing the meditative experience.
03
Structure incorporates the golden ratio, promoting visual harmony and balance in design.
04
Semi-translucent materials create a soft ambiance, allowing natural light to filter in while maintaining privacy.
05
Wooden framework provides warmth and a natural connection, contrasting with the reflective facade.

The meditation cabin offers a calm space within the busy urban setting. Designed as a place for reflection and mindfulness, the cabin serves an important function in everyday city life. It creates an intimate environment where people can pause and engage in meditation, stepping away from their hectic routines. The design draws from the meaning of the word "meditation," which relates to contemplation and self-reflection.

Geometric Composition

The cabin is defined by its monolithic form, which features a squared base and employs the golden ratio in its front design. This focus on geometry not only enhances its visual appeal but also ensures a balanced presence within its surroundings. The reflective surface interacts with the city, mirroring movements and sights, while inviting users to experience a moment of stillness.

Materiality

Three key components make up the cabin's structure: a wooden framework, a mirrored exterior, and a semi-translucent interior. The wooden structure adds warmth and a sense of natural comfort. The mirrored skin provides a strong visual connection to the environment, allowing the urban landscape to become part of the cabin's identity. Inside, semi-translucent materials allow light to filter in softly, creating an atmosphere that supports relaxation and meditation.

Spatial Experience

Inside, the cabin features a circular design that encourages individuals to feel embraced as they enter. A circular opening at the top invites light to stream into the space, illuminating the interior and inviting contemplation. This relationship between light and form enhances the cabin's purpose, allowing users to focus on their thoughts and feelings in a tranquil setting.

The design emphasizes a thoughtful integration of interior and exterior elements. Natural light fills the space, guiding attention inward while creating a sense of connection with the outside world.

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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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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

Open architecture competitions

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    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
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    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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