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Vertical Meditation Cabin with Flexible Material Design

Authors:
Sofoklis Kaltsios, Iliana Giera
Vertical Meditation Cabin with Flexible Material Design

Project in-detail

Rising vertically on a compact footprint, the cabin employs flexible materials and a hydraulic lift to facilitate a journey through three meditative states, providing a refuge for mindfulness amidst Tokyo's urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rises vertically within a 6m² footprint.
02
Features a hydraulic lift for smooth transitions between levels.
03
Integrates three distinct meditative states throughout the journey.
04
Utilizes flexible materials to enhance adaptability and mobility.
05
Emphasizes privacy while providing expansive sky views at the top level.

The Tsunagari (Connection) Meditation Cabin serves the people of Tokyo by providing a quiet space for personal reflection amid the bustling city. Built on a small 6m² footprint, the cabin rises vertically to optimize the limited space available. The design is inspired by Zen ensō, with a focus on simplicity and harmony. Users embark on a journey through three levels, each representing a different stage of meditation and mindfulness.

Design Concept

The cabin’s design embraces minimalism, reflecting traditional Japanese architecture. Each level offers a distinct meditative experience. The first level is dark and soundproof, allowing users to disconnect from their surroundings and create space for internal thought.



User Experience

Moving to the second level enables a shift toward self-awareness and concentration. Users are encouraged to engage with their senses, creating a deeper connection with their thoughts and emotions. This transitional space serves as a bridge, helping individuals navigate their inner worlds and regain clarity.



Integration with Nature

The third level opens up to the sky, providing views while maintaining privacy. Carefully placed openings allow natural light and fresh air to enter, making the interior feel more connected to the outside world. This design detail enhances the feeling of openness and invites users to reflect in a tranquil environment.



Mechanized Mobility

The cabin features a hydraulic platform lift, which helps users move between levels with ease. This mechanical element highlights the project's adaptability and responsiveness to user needs. The structure is designed to support these transitions while providing a comfortable experience for those seeking solace.



The thoughtfully arranged openings also allow ambient sounds from the outside to flow in, enriching the atmosphere within. This feature adds depth to the experience, grounding users as they connect with both their inner selves and the surrounding environment.

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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

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