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Translucent Balloons Enclosing Steel-Centered Meditation Cabins in Urban Tranquility

Authors:
Xueyan Tu, Bin Chen, Shuang Xia
Translucent Balloons Enclosing Steel-Centered Meditation Cabins in Urban Tranquility

Project in-detail

Surrounded by translucent balloons and anchored by a rigid steel frame, four meditation cabins provide a tranquil refuge for individuals seeking mindfulness in the heart of Tokyo's urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Surrounded by large translucent balloons, the cabins create a visual and auditory buffer from city noise.
02
The meditation cabins are modular and can easily be transported for various uses.
03
A rigid steel frame supports the structure, providing stability in a high-density urban environment.
04
Cabins feature noise-isolating interiors designed to enhance the meditation experience.
05
The design emphasizes individual mindfulness practices within a communal urban setting.

In the busy city of Tokyo, the Temporary Meditation Community aims to offer a peaceful space for people looking to escape the stress of urban life. The project focuses on creating an environment where individuals can practice mindfulness and meditation. This concept involves four meditation cabins located within a sturdy steel frame, wrapped in large translucent balloons. Together, these elements form a unique structure designed to support personal reflection and calmness.

Design Concept

The design positions tranquility against the energy of Tokyo’s bustling environment. It provides essential spots for meditation, allowing users to step away from the noise and activity around them. The cabins are deliberately arranged to provide privacy while ensuring easy access for users. Each cabin is constructed to reduce outside sounds, creating a quiet space where meditation can take place. This focus on individual well-being highlights current trends in recognizing the value of mental health in city living.

Structural Elements

A robust steel frame provides the necessary support and stability for the structure, crucial for installations in high-density areas. This framework allows for a flexible arrangement that can adapt to different settings. The surrounding translucent balloons add a visual softness to the design, letting natural light enter while creating a barrier from the outside world. This material choice is important for fostering a serene atmosphere that enhances the meditation experience.

Functional Versatility

The design is not limited to just offering quiet spaces for meditation. The cabins can easily be transported and set up in various locations. This feature makes them usable in different contexts, such as providing temporary shelter during emergencies. The ability to serve multiple purposes reflects a practical approach to urban architecture.

Thoughtful design details contribute to the overall experience of the meditation cabins. Interiors are designed to promote comfort and concentration, ensuring an environment conducive to relaxation. Users are encouraged to step into their own space and focus on mindfulness, benefiting from a well-considered blend of architecture and psychological health.

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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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