Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Water-Focused Retreat Embracing Wabi-Sabi Principles in Urban Context

Authors:
Michael Yeung, Leo Lee
Water-Focused Retreat Embracing Wabi-Sabi Principles in Urban Context
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Emphasizing the calming effects of water and the principles of wabi-sabi, the retreat in Tokyo offers a unique meditative space characterized by smooth curves and a tranquil atmosphere, fostering self-reflection in an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Emphasizes the principles of wabi-sabi through design.
02
Integrates a small body of water to enhance meditation experiences.
03
Features smooth, organic curves that contrast with urban architecture.
04
Includes a transitional space for personal belongings before meditation.
05
Promotes mindfulness by creating a calming auditory environment with water.

Reflestone is located in Tokyo, a city known for its strict working culture and societal norms. The design serves as a meditative space that encourages self-reflection and mindfulness amid the city's fast pace. The concept draws inspiration from nature and Zen Buddhist philosophy, particularly the enso symbol, which represents the idea of wabi-sabi. This approach celebrates the beauty found in imperfection and acknowledges the natural cycles of life.

Design Concept

The design of Reflestone highlights a contrast between smooth, organic shapes and the rigid architecture typical of Tokyo. This choice enhances the structure’s individual character while allowing it to blend into various urban environments. The cabin's discreet presence prompts curiosity and interaction, distinguishing it from the conventional buildings that populate the city.

Spatial Quality

While the exact materials used in Reflestone are not specified, the overall form suggests a concern for texture and experience. A small body of water is a key element, lit from beneath to enhance visual interest. The sound of water droplets falling from above adds a sensory layer to the environment, creating a calming atmosphere that fosters meditation and relaxation.

User Journey

As individuals approach Reflestone, they first enter a transitional space meant for securely storing personal belongings. This area plays an important role in helping users mentally shift from the busy urban landscape to the quiet interior. Once inside, they can immerse themselves in an environment designed for quiet reflection. The dimly lit space promotes introspection and emotional awareness.

Acoustic Environment

The sound of falling water is one of the project’s distinctive features. This element aids in lowering heart rates and contributes to a peaceful setting that supports mindfulness. The overall design balances user experience with architectural intention, providing a refuge from city life. The cabin’s smooth curves enhance a sense of fluidity, creating a tranquil space for contemplation and personal growth.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

`
Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025
new
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025

Media, partners and clients

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