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Translucent Balloons Enveloping Steel Framework in Urban Meditation Spaces

Authors:
Xueyan Tu, Bin Chen, Shuang Xia
Translucent Balloons Enveloping Steel Framework in Urban Meditation Spaces

Project in-detail

Enclosed within a rigid steel frame, large translucent balloons create an adaptable space for meditation, offering urban dwellers a noise-isolating retreat from the hectic surroundings of Tokyo.
5 key facts about this project
01
Enclosed cabins provide noise isolation from urban noise.
02
Translucent balloons enhance natural light while ensuring privacy.
03
Individual cabins are portable and can be purchased after use.
04
The design encourages mindful practices in a high-pressure environment.
05
The rigid steel frame supports the lightweight, inflatable structure.

The Temporary Meditation Community in Tokyo is a thoughtful response to the pressures of urban life. Located in a busy city known for its vibrancy and fast pace, the design provides a space for individuals seeking tranquility through meditation. The concept focuses on making meditation accessible to urban dwellers, creating an inviting area for relaxation that fits into the surrounding urban landscape.

Concept and Structure

The design features a rigid steel frame that forms the backbone of the community. This frame supports four meditation cabins, which are enclosed in large translucent balloons. The use of these balloons introduces a playful element while serving a practical purpose. The overall form evokes a sense of calm, inviting users to step away from the city's usual distractions and immerse themselves in introspection.

Materials and Adaptability

The materials chosen for the community play an essential role in its functionality and appearance. The rigid steel provides a strong and stable structure, while the translucent balloons create a soft, welcoming atmosphere inside. These balloons allow natural light to filter through, enhancing the meditation experience. Additionally, the inflatable nature of the cabins offers flexibility, making it easy to relocate and store them as needed, addressing the challenges of limited urban space.

Functionality and Experience

When inflated, the meditation cabins provide noise isolation, making them effective spaces for focused meditation. The design prioritizes user experience, allowing individuals to find a moment of peace amidst the urban noise. Each cabin offers a personal retreat, encouraging people to engage with mindfulness practices while living in a busy environment. Furthermore, the option for users to purchase individual cabins extends the benefits of meditation into their everyday lives.

The combination of a strong frame and soft balloon enclosures creates an environment that balances security and openness. Users can find solace in a supportive space designed to foster personal well-being. The project highlights how architecture can facilitate quiet moments, offering a retreat from the demands of city living.

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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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