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Vertical Garden Cabin with Hanging Pots for Urban Meditation

Author:
Alberto Martini
Vertical Garden Cabin with Hanging Pots for Urban Meditation

Project in-detail

The cabin's vertical garden, composed of hanging pots filled with aromatic plants, creates an interactive and immersive space for urban meditation, inviting users to engage with nature amidst the backdrop of Tokyo's parks.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabin integrates a manual pulley system for users to elevate hanging pots.
02
It features a vertical garden promoting seasonal plant arrangement.
03
Downward-facing windows enhance air circulation and natural sound immersion.
04
Compartmentalized attic areas collect rainwater for sustainable use.
05
Designed specifically for parks in Tokyo, fostering community interaction.

The Shinrin-yoku Tokyo Urban Meditation Cabin exists as a peaceful space within the busy city of Tokyo. Focused on the idea of "forest bathing," this design invites individuals to connect more deeply with nature. It functions as both a meditation area and a social hub, providing an escape from urban stress. The overall concept emphasizes well-being through engagement with the natural environment.

Design Elements
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The cabin is designed with a vertical garden system, featuring multiple levels of hanging pots filled with aromatic, medicinal, and therapeutic plants. This approach allows users to interact with the environment on many levels. They can rearrange the plants to match their personal preferences and the changing seasons. A manual pulley and winch system allows for easy elevation of the pots, making the experience more hands-on and engaging.

Spatial Configuration
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The entrance is at ground level, making it accessible for everyone. Once inside, users can open downward-facing windows that let in fresh air and natural sounds. This connection to the outside environment enhances the calming atmosphere. By focusing on these elements, the design seeks to reduce urban-related stress, like anxiety and pressure, through meaningful engagement with nature.

Structural Integrity
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The cabin includes integrated support mechanisms that provide both vertical and horizontal stability. In the attic space, compartments serve useful functions, such as rainwater collection through systems installed in the pillars. Such features demonstrate awareness of sustainability and responsible resource use. Additional compartments are also available for storing a watering can and the winch handle, encouraging users to share responsibility for the space.

Aesthetic Connection
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The cabin blends the benefits of nature with practical design. Users can interact with the hanging pots and enjoy the scents and textures of the plants. This tactile engagement fosters a sense of community and mindfulness. The thoughtfully arranged greenery creates a welcoming environment. In this space, visitors can reflect, take a breath, and momentarily step away from the fast pace of city life. This interaction helps highlight the importance of nature in everyday routines.

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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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