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Serene Retreat with Varied Light and Introspective Spaces

Author:
Clodie Thibaudeau
Serene Retreat with Varied Light and Introspective Spaces

Project in-detail

Elevated by its unique interplay of natural light and darker, introspective spaces, the design creates a tranquil sanctuary for meditation amid the urban landscape of Tokyo.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design allows for a seamless connection between indoor meditation and the surrounding outdoor environment.
02
Introspective first level features darker tones to enhance personal reflection.
03
The second level is designed to flood with natural light, promoting openness and engagement.
04
Free plan layout supports diverse movement and varied meditation practices.
05
Strategic placement within Tokyo’s urban landscape offers a tranquil escape from city life.

Tokyo Urban Meditation Cabins are situated in the busy city of Tokyo, designed to provide a quiet space for meditation and internal reflection. The cabins aim to create a contrasting environment to the city's constant activity and noise. They focus on individual experience and emphasize the importance of being present in the moment. The layout adapts to various meditation practices, catering to personal needs.

Spatial Configuration

The layout of the cabins features a free plan, free of barriers that might obstruct movement. This openness allows users to explore the space without limitations, encouraging active engagement with their surroundings. The design promotes a feeling of freedom, enabling individuals to express their mindfulness through both thought and movement.

Atmospheric Levels

The cabins are divided into two levels, each offering a distinctive atmosphere. The first level presents a darker, enclosed space that supports personal reflection and solitary meditation. This intimate environment invites users to focus inward, providing a retreat from distractions. In contrast, the second level is filled with ample natural light, creating an open space that encourages connection with the outside world.

User Experience

The design fosters not just meditation practices but also a relationship between the interior spaces and the external environment. Users experience a shift from personal solitude on the lower level to a more involved experience on the upper level. This thoughtful balance addresses the diverse needs of those seeking mindfulness, offering choices in how they interact with their surroundings.

The careful use of light and openness enhances the overall experience, making it a refuge from the urban hustle. Each design element emphasizes the goal of promoting mindfulness in the face of a busy city, inviting users to find a peaceful moment amidst the chaos.

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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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