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Sustainable Retreat Featuring Technopolymer Flooring and LED-Illuminated Glass Panels

Authors:
Matteo Fraticelli, Motomi Morii, Martin Lee
Sustainable Retreat Featuring Technopolymer Flooring and LED-Illuminated Glass Panels

Project in-detail

Combining LED-illuminated glass panels and durable technopolymer flooring, the design creates a serene urban refuge that facilitates meditation and community interaction amidst Tokyo's vibrant landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
LED-illuminated glass panels enhance visibility while maintaining privacy.
02
Durable technopolymer flooring supports sustainability in high-traffic areas.
03
The layout encourages both individual meditation and communal gatherings.
04
Solid bronze frames provide a tactile connection to the space's structure.
05
Narrow pathways transition into broader communal areas, promoting organic interaction.
The architectural project "Meditation Roji" is situated in Tokyo, aiming to redefine urban space by integrating principles of mindfulness into its design. This project creatively reinterprets the concept of 'roji,' or tea garden pathways, to provide a tranquil environment that counterbalances the density of the city. "Meditation Roji" functions as a space for personal reflection and community interaction, making it a vital amenity in the urban context.

At the core of "Meditation Roji" is a carefully configured layout that encourages both solitude and social engagement. The design includes narrow pathways that lead to broader communal areas, facilitating organic interactions among visitors. This spatial arrangement is fundamental to its function as a retreat from the fast-paced urban environment. The project utilizes a range of materials, including LED-illuminated glass panels, solid bronze frames, and modular floor tiles, creating both a tactile and visual dialogue within the space.

Materiality and Lighting Integration

One of the defining elements of "Meditation Roji" is its innovative use of materials and lighting. The application of LED technology in glass panels not only maximizes natural light but also creates visual pathways that guide users through the space. This integration serves multiple purposes: enhancing visibility, respecting privacy, and promoting energy efficiency. The solid bronze frames offer a tactile quality while ensuring the structure's durability. The choice of technopolymer treads provides sustainability in high-traffic areas, allowing for low maintenance.

The surface treatments are minimalist, focusing on texture to engage users without overwhelming them with visual clutter. This careful attention to materiality speaks to a greater understanding of the human experience within architectural spaces.

Adaptive Design Strategies

"Meditaion Roji" also distinguishes itself through its adaptability to meet future needs. The design's modular nature allows for modifications that can respond to changes in community requirements. This flexibility is essential within urban planning, where static solutions often fail to address evolving uses of space.

By creating a layered experience, the project promotes moments of personal reflection intertwined with opportunities for community gathering. This balance is a key aspect that sets "Meditation Roji" apart from other urban installations. The design encourages users to transition between quiet contemplation and social interaction seamlessly.

"Exploring the project presentation will provide a deeper understanding of the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that define 'Meditation Roji.' This exploration offers valuable insights into the thoughtful strategies employed that contribute to its function and aesthetics."
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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