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Translucent Cube Offering Reflective Serenity in Urban Spaces

Authors:
Jin seok Hyun, Hwan hee Lee, Gyeom seo Ryu
Translucent Cube Offering Reflective Serenity in Urban Spaces

Project in-detail

A translucent cube with reflective metal surfaces reinterprets the traditional 'Engawa' to create a serene meditation space, inviting urban residents to engage in moments of quiet reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent polycarbonate walls offer privacy while allowing natural light to create an uplifting atmosphere.
02
The reflective metal floor mimics natural elements, enhancing the connection to the outside environment.
03
Designed to emulate the traditional 'Engawa' concept, the chair engages users with both inner and outer spaces.
04
Positioned in Tokyo's busy squares, the cube activates underutilized urban areas for mindfulness.
05
Addresses the historical loss of traditional spaces in Tokyo by reintroducing a sanctuary for meditation.

The Meditation Cube presents a thoughtful response to the need for quiet spaces amid the bustling city of Tokyo. It combines the traditions of Japanese architecture with modern design principles, focusing on creating an environment conducive to meditation and reflection. The cube is a contemporary reinterpretation of the 'Engawa,' traditionally a transition space that links the inside of a home with the outdoors. Here, it serves as a sanctuary for individuals looking to escape the city's fast pace and find moments of inner peace.

Translucent Walls

The cube is enclosed by translucent polycarbonate walls, which allow natural light to fill the interior while maintaining privacy. This feature creates a bright and inviting atmosphere. Users can enjoy their own space without being disturbed by the outside world. The design encourages a calm environment, essential for meditation practices, enabling users to focus in a serene setting.

Reflective Metal Floor

The floor is made of reflective metal, which plays a central role in enhancing the space. This reflective surface captures the outside environment, mirroring the sky and surrounding elements. The result is an effect that expands the perception of space. Light dances across the floor, creating a dynamic interaction with the natural world. Users can feel a connection to nature even while inside the cube, enriching their meditative experience.

Chair as an Engawa

Inside, the chair mimics the concept of the 'Engawa.' Its design encourages interaction between the user and both the interior and exterior spaces. Positioned thoughtfully, it invites individuals to sit and reflect. This element is crucial, as it enhances the experience of meditation by making users feel engaged with their surroundings while finding a moment of stillness.

Spatial Activation in Urban Context

The Meditation Cube is placed strategically in Tokyo's busy squares. These squares often go unused and can feel lifeless. By introducing a space dedicated to meditation, the cube offers a new function to these areas. It encourages individuals to take a break from their daily routines and engage in moments of mindfulness. This different use of public space challenges the typical dynamic of urban areas, transforming how people interact with their environment.

The cube highlights the intersection of reflective surfaces and translucent walls. It creates a retreat that fosters a calm atmosphere, allowing users to connect with themselves and the world around them.

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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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