Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Translucent Polycarbonate Modules Offering Serenity in Urban Meditation Spaces

Author:
Steve Diskin
Translucent Polycarbonate Modules Offering Serenity in Urban Meditation Spaces

Project in-detail

With dodecahedron-shaped meditation modules constructed from polycarbonate and set against the backdrop of Harajuku, the design creates tranquil spaces that invite urban dwellers to engage in mindfulness practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dodecahedron shape enhances light interaction and view angles.
02
10mm polycarbonate panels provide weather resistance and light diffusion.
03
Prefabricated construction allows for quick assembly on site.
04
Wood platform adds natural warmth and stability to the modules.
05
Designed to foster mindfulness in a busy urban context.

The Bicubic/Dodecahedron Meditation Modules for Tokyo provide distinct spaces for reflection in a busy urban area. Located near Harajuku, close to Yoyogi Olympic Stadium and Meiji Shrine, the modules offer a contrast to the lively surroundings. The design focuses on creating a peaceful environment that supports mindfulness practices while integrating visually with the cultural fabric of the city.

Geometric Forms

The modules show unique shapes: bicubic and dodecahedron. These forms are chosen deliberately to suggest balance and calm. They play with the light and shadows, creating various perspectives that invite users to explore. The modern design respects its historical context while standing apart in its contemporary aesthetic.

Materials and Construction

The structures use 10mm polycarbonate twinwall panels, known for their durability and functionality. These prefabricated panels come in translucent and opaque forms, allowing natural light to filter into the modular spaces. By connecting these panels with edge extrusions, the design ensures the modules can withstand urban challenges while maintaining their visual appeal.

User Experience

A wooden platform grounds the meditation spaces. It provides stability and brings a natural element into play. This platform enhances the tactile experience for visitors, making the modules feel welcoming. The choice of materials and their arrangement create an inviting atmosphere for quiet reflection away from daily hustle.

Light Interaction

Light plays a key role in the design. As the sun moves across the sky, it fills the spaces with changing patterns. These panels allow light to filter in, creating intriguing visual effects inside. This interaction between light and space deepens the experience of meditation, encouraging users to connect with their surroundings in a thoughtful way.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy