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Translucent Fabric Covered Bamboo Retreat for Urban Meditation

Authors:
Chanthearot Bun, Sokeng An, Siphatt Seang, Sophea Pheak
Translucent Fabric Covered Bamboo Retreat for Urban Meditation
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Constructed from bamboo and enveloped in a translucent fabric, the retreat offers a unique urban sanctuary designed specifically for meditation and relaxation, seamlessly blending privacy with a connection to the outside environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed entirely from bamboo, emphasizing sustainable materials.
02
Translucent fabric cover allows for natural light and visual connection to the environment.
03
Elevated meditation deck enhances the sense of separation from the urban landscape.
04
Design integrates an open top, promoting airflow and a connection to the sky.
05
Strategically located in public spaces to serve as an accessible wellness retreat.

The Healing Lantern / A Lighten Refuge is designed to create a peaceful space within an urban environment. It is strategically located to offer a quiet retreat where individuals can meditate and relax. The structure contrasts with the surrounding city, providing an experience focused on calm and well-being.

Design Concept

The design focuses on a cabin that glows softly, attracting people from a distance. As individuals move closer, they see the silhouette of someone meditating inside, which establishes a calming effect even before they enter. Once inside, users find a private area that allows them to meditate while still feeling connected to the bustling world outside.

Structural Elements

The structure consists of three main parts: a meditation deck raised off the ground, a soft fabric cover, and a supportive framework. The elevated deck fosters a sense of separation from the busy streets, enhancing the meditative experience. The fabric cover wraps around the deck, creating a rounded shape that reduces distractions and encourages a sense of peace.

Material Selection

Materials play an important role in the design’s effectiveness. Bamboo serves as the primary framework for the structure, known for its strength and environmental benefits. The outer layer is made of a translucent fabric that allows light to filter through, generating a warm and inviting atmosphere that promotes relaxation.

Spatial Integration

The Healing Lantern is placed in locations like bus stops and parks to meet the needs of people seeking moments of calm in their daily lives. It offers a quiet place for those wishing to escape the pressures of the city. The open design invites natural light and air inside, enhancing the comforting interior and linking users to the outside environment. The overall design facilitates moments of mindfulness amid the hustle and bustle of urban living.

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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
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MICROHOME
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Open architecture competitions

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    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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