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Translucent Layers Creating Inner Tranquility in a Meditative Sanctuary

Authors:
Chen Zhi, Fan Siyu, Meng Xinyi
Translucent Layers Creating Inner Tranquility in a Meditative Sanctuary

Project in-detail

Layers of translucent materials blend with gentle breezes to create a meditative sanctuary that fosters inner peace and mindful introspection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flexible, translucent materials blur the boundary between interior and exterior environments.
02
The design emphasizes layering to create fragmented views that promote introspection.
03
Wind-responsive elements enhance the meditative experience through dynamic movement.
04
The project incorporates visual cues to transition from chaos to tranquility.
05
Careful arrangement fosters a unique connection between nature and mindfulness.

The design is conceived as a meditative retreat that offers a break from the demands of urban life. Set against a dynamic city backdrop, the structure provides a tranquil space for reflection and mindfulness. The design is rooted in the idea of essentialism, focusing on the relationship between individuals and their surroundings. Through careful consideration of form and function, the building fosters an environment conducive to self-discovery and mental clarity.

Conceptual Framework

The main idea is to create a sanctuary where users can step away from external distractions. By emphasizing meditation, the architecture serves as a place to reconnect with oneself. The layered design blurs the lines between inside and outside, guiding the meditator's focus inward and encouraging a more intimate experience.

Visual and Sensory Interaction

Key aspects of the design include flexible, translucent materials that enhance the sensory experience. These materials manipulate light and perception, resulting in a fragmented vision of the world outside. This effect encourages users to engage with their surroundings in a way that allows for deep contemplation, free from interruption.

Dynamic Engagement with Nature

There is also a strong connection to nature in the project. The materials react to elements such as wind, creating movement that reflects the surrounding environment. As the structure responds to the breeze, it establishes a rhythm that aligns with the breath of the meditator. This natural interaction strengthens the bond between individuals and nature, allowing for deeper moments of reflection.

Transitional Atmospheres

Inside the building, there is a clear contrast to the busy exterior, creating a variety of atmospheres suitable for meditation. Through thoughtful layering, light and sound are allowed to filter in at different levels, shaping a calm environment. The careful arrangement of elements enhances the experience of solitude, inviting users to engage in meaningful self-reflection.

In this environment, pockets of stillness encourage a gradual dive into meditation, culminating in an experience where the fluttering layers visualize the wind, connecting to the breath of each user.

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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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