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Sliding Timber Panels Enhancing Privacy and Connection in Urban Meditation Space

Author:
Nada Elmi
Sliding Timber Panels Enhancing Privacy and Connection in Urban Meditation Space

Project in-detail

Sliding timber panels create a flexible environment that prioritizes privacy and social interaction, enabling urban residents to engage in meditation practices within a thoughtfully designed space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Sliding panels allow flexible light and privacy control.
02
Solid timber construction enhances warmth and stability.
03
Advanced joinery techniques ensure structural resilience.
04
Dynamic facade creates varied spatial experiences.
05
Entrance design features an overhead sliding mechanism for easy access.

The architectural design captures the essence of finding tranquility in the busy environment of Tokyo. It serves as a place for residents to retreat, facilitating meditation and moments of calm amidst urban distractions. The overall concept is built around creating adaptable spaces, allowing users to connect with their inner peace while engaging with the social aspects of city life.

Dynamic Panel System

An innovative sliding panel system is a key feature of the design. Users can adjust these panels to control the amount of light in the space. When the panels are raised, natural light fills the interior, encouraging social interaction. Alternatively, lowering the panels creates privacy and reduces sunlight, making the environment more personal and reflective. This user-driven adaptability shapes how individuals experience their surroundings.

Structural Framework

Timber is central to the structure, adding both strength and warmth. The design includes four vertical bearing elements made from solid timber, providing durability. Advanced joinery techniques connect these posts securely, ensuring that the building can withstand seismic activity while remaining lightweight. This approach highlights a respect for traditional craftsmanship and a commitment to sustainability in the design.

Exterior Treatment

The exterior features a mix of solid and hollow panels arranged thoughtfully. This arrangement captures interest visually while allowing residents to interact with the environment actively. The panels can be adjusted for various configurations, enabling users to create spaces that suit their needs. This connection between the design and its occupants enhances a sense of well-being in the urban landscape.

Entrance Design

An overhead sliding mechanism forms the entrance, facilitating easy access and creating smooth transitions into the space. This choice aligns with the design's focus on fluidity, encouraging effortless movement for users. The entrance detail reflects a dedication to functional design, ensuring that users immediately feel a sense of connection to the environment as they enter the building.

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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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