Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Washi Paper Windows And Shoji Doors Within A Tranquil Forest Retreat

Author:
Andrew Glicksberg
Washi Paper Windows And Shoji Doors Within A Tranquil Forest Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed with Shoji doors and Washi paper windows, the cabin blends seamlessly into its forest setting, creating a tranquil space dedicated to meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabin incorporates sliding Shoji panel doors to enhance indoor-outdoor connectivity.
02
It features Washi paper windows that diffuse light for a calming ambiance.
03
A circular moon door serves as a skylight, connecting users with the sky above.
04
Construction method minimizes ground impact to protect the surrounding ecosystem.
05
Solar-powered LED lights illuminate the approach at night while preserving dark skies.

The Forest Grove Meditation Cabin is set in a tranquil forest environment, designed to provide a space for quiet reflection and mindfulness. The design takes inspiration from both the calmness of a forest grove and the traditional features of a Japanese tea house. The goal is to create a connection to nature that enhances the experience of meditation and contemplation.

Forest Grove Influence

The cabin is carefully integrated into its surroundings, surrounded by trees that allow sunlight to filter through. This creates a beautiful play of light and shadow within and around the structure. The trees frame the building, enriching the user experience by fostering peace and introspection. The tall trees add a vertical dimension, complementing the cabin’s low profile and creating a balance with the natural setting.

Japanese Tea House Elements

The design incorporates aspects of traditional Japanese architecture, notably the use of sliding Shoji panel doors. These doors offer flexibility, allowing visitors to merge indoor and outdoor spaces. The windows are made with rice Washi paper, softening the natural light and enhancing the serene atmosphere inside. A zen window provides a framed view of the forest, encouraging visitors to engage with the environment in a thoughtful way.

Interior Clarity and Spatial Design

Inside, the layout is open and uncluttered, facilitating mental clarity and focus. This minimal approach means that visitors can fully connect with their surroundings without distractions. A circular moon door is placed in the ceiling, functioning as a skylight. It connects the interior of the cabin to the sky above, inviting contemplation of the changing weather and light.

Approach and Light Integration

Reaching the cabin involves walking along a wooden boardwalk that elevates visitors above the forest floor. This design choice is inspired by traditional Buddhist practices, creating a gentle transition between nature and the built space. Solar-powered LED lights along the path provide safety at night, offering a warm glow reminiscent of rice paper lanterns.

The moon door in the ceiling is a key detail, allowing natural light to wash over the interior and connecting guests to the sky. This design choice enhances the experience of being in a space that feels both connected to nature and conducive to meditation.

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