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Solar-Powered Haven with Glass Walls and Wooden Serenity

Author:
Charles Bloszies
Solar-Powered Haven with Glass Walls and Wooden Serenity

Project in-detail

Constructed with solar panels and glass walls, this modular cabin provides a serene environment for meditation, seamlessly integrating into Tokyo's urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with solar panels for renewable energy, supporting environmental sustainability.
02
Features a glass wall to maximize natural light and enhance the meditation experience.
03
Incorporates built-in shelving within the wooden walls for practical use.
04
Designed for modular placement in various quiet urban locations across Tokyo.
05
Focuses on a minimalist aesthetic that promotes tranquility and simplicity.

The Tokyo Meditation Module is a thoughtful response to the challenges posed by city living, designed to provide a peaceful space for meditation amidst the vibrant urban environment of Tokyo. This project serves as a modular cabin, offering a sanctuary where users can escape the pace of everyday life. The design emphasizes simplicity and utility, creating an inviting atmosphere in carefully chosen, quieter locations around the city.

Spatial Configuration

The cabin features a simple rectangular form, which reflects a minimalist approach. Inside, wood and glass panels create a warm and approachable setting. A tile floor provides a stable foundation, while a large glass wall ensures plenty of natural light enters the space. This openness enhances the overall feel of the interior. The layout includes three wooden walls, with one specifically designed for built-in shelving, balancing practicality with a clean aesthetic. The wooden ceiling adds depth and warmth, connecting the structure to its natural surroundings.

Environmental Integration

Solar panels play a crucial role in the design, supplying renewable energy and promoting an environmentally friendly approach. These panels are visible on the roof, serving both functional and symbolic purposes. They highlight the project’s commitment to sustainability, allowing it to blend into the ecological landscape of contemporary architecture while also promoting mindfulness in how energy is consumed.

User-Centric Features

Several carefully considered details enhance the comfort and usability of the cabin. Recessed door latches make access easy, and strategically placed air vents ensure proper airflow inside. These elements enhance the user experience without detracting from the overall design. Each feature is directed toward creating a space that is not only functional but inviting.

Solar Orientation

The design takes into account solar orientation, carefully analyzing how sunlight enters the cabin throughout the day. By optimizing the natural light available, the design enhances energy efficiency and improves the ambiance within. This consideration contributes to an atmosphere well-suited for meditation and reflection.

The thoughtful use of wood and glass, along with an emphasis on natural light and environmental considerations, provides a calming retreat in the heart of Tokyo. This project serves a practical and serene purpose, inviting individuals to pause and breathe in the bustle of the city.

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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
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