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Translucent Retreats Enhanced by E-TransFlector Technology for Urban Serenity

Authors:
Nashid Nabian, Avisa Yazdani, Arash Moaddab
Translucent Retreats Enhanced by E-TransFlector Technology for Urban Serenity

Project in-detail

Equipped with advanced e-TransFlector technology, the Urban Calm Pods create adaptable spaces that shift between varying reflective states, providing urban residents with bespoke environments for relaxation and mental rejuvenation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Equipped with e-TransFlector technology for dynamic surface transformation.
02
Designed for urban locations, enhancing accessibility to tranquility.
03
Features customizable audio-visual experiences tailored to individual users.
04
Utilizes a modular construction approach for flexibility in use.
05
Offers a pay-per-use model, promoting efficient engagement with urban space.

The Urban Calm Pod project offers a practical solution to the need for quiet spaces within busy cities. These pods are designed to be found throughout urban areas, allowing individuals to reserve a small retreat for relaxation and reflection. The concept focuses on promoting mental well-being by combining advanced technology with thoughtful design, resulting in immersive environments tailored for personal use.

E-TransFlector Technology

Central to the Urban Calm Pods is the use of e-TransFlector technology. This innovative system enables the surfaces of the pods to switch between different states, such as pure reflection, half-reflection, total opacity, half-opacity, and total transparency. By allowing such variations, each pod can provide diverse visual experiences that change according to the user’s needs and preferences during their time inside.

User Interaction and Customization

The Urban Calm app plays a vital role in enhancing the user experience. It allows people to locate available pods, make reservations, and customize their experiences easily. Users can control the surface states of the pods through the app, tailoring the environment to suit their individual moods. For opaque and semi-opaque surfaces, users can choose digital content for projection, adding depth and personalization to their experience.

Architectural Dynamics

The design of the Urban Calm Pods carefully considers how different types of surfaces can affect how the space is perceived. Transparent surfaces create a visual connection to the surrounding city, encouraging engagement with the environment outside. Reflective surfaces contribute to an enriched visual experience by multiplying images, while the combination of opacity and transparency enhances the overall atmospheric quality.

In addition, the pods incorporate bio-neural beats and psychedelic visuals, encouraging relaxation and a sense of calm. These elements work together to create a unique experience that addresses the need for mental breaks in urban life, allowing individuals a moment to escape and recharge their senses.

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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
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