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Soundproof Sanctuary with Flowing Water in Urban Shibuya

Author:
Mariusz Piwkowski
Soundproof Sanctuary with Flowing Water in Urban Shibuya

Project in-detail

A flowing water feature enhances the tranquil atmosphere within a soundproof space in urban Shibuya, designed as a sanctuary for meditation and quiet reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a water feature that flows along the back wall, enhancing the tranquil environment.
02
The structure is soundproof, specifically engineered to reduce urban noise for a peaceful experience.
03
Wooden seating is integrated into the floor, providing both comfort and spatial efficiency.
04
Entry requires physical engagement through a ladder, symbolizing a transition from chaos to calm.
05
Located in a high-traffic area, it serves as a refuge amidst the busy urban landscape of Shibuya.

The Eye is located in a busy part of Shibuya, close to the station and the well-known Shibuya Crossing. Its purpose is to provide a quiet space for people to take a break from the fast pace of urban life. The overall design is inspired by the idea of an eye, which represents calmness amid chaos. It seeks to create a safe zone for the mind.

Form and Structure
The shape of The Eye features sharp angles and dynamic lines that evoke a sense of movement. This design reflects the constant activity of the surrounding city while also acting as a protective barrier. Visitors must engage physically with the space by moving a door and climbing a ladder to enter. This action represents a transition from the loud and busy streets to a peaceful interior.

Interior Environment
Inside, the design focuses on transparency and soundproofing to create a quiet, inviting atmosphere. The layout enhances user experience with a back wall that allows water to flow during rainy days. This not only adds a calming sound but also brings a touch of nature indoors. Natural light enters through a window at the top, brightening the space while keeping a connection to the outside world.

Seating Configuration
A key feature of the interior is the seating area, which is made from wooden materials shaped with rounded edges. This area is designed to accommodate two people comfortably, providing a spacious place to sit and reflect. Lighting placed between the seating and the inner layer enhances the calming effect of the space, making it more inviting for users.

The Water Feature
An important aspect of the design is the water feature that flows along the back wall. This feature adds a dynamic element to the experience, especially on rainy days, and serves to connect the interior space with external weather patterns. The sound of flowing water contributes to the sense of tranquility, allowing visitors to feel more at ease as they take a moment to themselves.

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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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