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Translucent Shell Structure for Meditative Retreat

Author:
可月 司
Translucent Shell Structure for Meditative Retreat

Project in-detail

The white translucent shell structure provides an innovative enclosure that facilitates light diffusion and creates a serene environment for meditation and introspection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent material allows for controlled light diffusion throughout the interior.
02
Flexible openings enable users to adjust views and light entry according to preference.
03
Design mimics the protective shape of natural shells for a sense of retreat.
04
The layout promotes personal introspection and adaptable meditation settings.
05
Integration of nature is emphasized through unobstructed external views.

The design is located in a quiet area, thoughtfully created as a refuge for meditation and introspection. Its concept focuses on offering a retreat from the demands of everyday life, inviting people to engage in personal reflection. The structure highlights the connection between its interior spaces and the natural environment, promoting feelings of calm and tranquility.

Light and Space Interaction

One of the main aspects of the design is how light interacts with the space. Natural light is allowed to enter through an opening, illuminating the interior in a soft manner. The use of white translucent material for the shell enhances this effect, creating a gentle atmosphere. This attention to light encourages users to fully embrace the meditative experience, allowing for relaxation and depth of thought.

Flexible Spatial Design

The layout of the design is flexible, catering to the various needs of its users. Upon entering, individuals find a calming environment that supports different seating arrangements. Users can easily change their position, which allows them to adjust how they experience light and openness. This adaptability is key to creating a space where personal comfort plays an important role in meditation.

Connection to Nature

The design effectively includes elements of nature and provides views that contribute to a peaceful setting. It draws inspiration from natural forms like shells, emphasizing the idea of retreat found in the animal world. By creating a link between the interior and the outside environment, users gain a richer connection to the space, enhancing the meditative quality.

Interactive Features

Another significant aspect is the interactive components that enrich the experience for users. Bearings allow individuals to adjust the openings, giving them control over what they see and the light that enters. This capability adds a personal touch, letting users shape their own environment.

The curved shape of the shell structure stands out as a notable design detail. It not only acts as an enclosure but also mirrors organic forms found in nature, highlighting a sense of balance between the space and the surroundings.

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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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