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Bamboo Canopy Structure Promoting Natural Ventilation and Community Reflection

Authors:
Lucrezia Cerulo, Anna Grenci, Anna lena Reier
Bamboo Canopy Structure Promoting Natural Ventilation and Community Reflection

Project in-detail

Constructed using locally sourced bamboo and designed to enhance natural ventilation, the retreat facilitates communal interaction and personal reflection within a culturally integrated environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes whole bamboo culms for structural integrity and sustainability.
02
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system designed into the roofing structure.
03
Features large bamboo screens enhancing airflow and providing natural light.
04
Elevated design minimizes flood risk while maximizing landscape views.
05
Promotes community engagement through an open central gathering space.
The Vine Retreat is an architectural project located in Kep, Cambodia, designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings while drawing inspiration from traditional Cambodian architecture. This retreat serves multiple functions, primarily focusing on providing a serene environment for meditation, relaxation, and community engagement. The architectural design combines modern techniques with locally-sourced materials, emphasizing sustainability and ecological consciousness.

The layout of the retreat is organized around a central space that facilitates communal interaction while allowing for intimate areas that cater to individual privacy. The structure features interconnected volumes, each serving specific activities such as living, leisure, and meditation. This organization creates a fluid spatial experience that encourages movement and interaction, reflecting the cultural importance of community in Cambodian society.

Unique Aspects of Materiality and Construction

The Vine Retreat distinguishes itself through its use of bamboo as the primary material, showcasing an innovative approach to sustainable architecture. Bamboo, known for its strength and flexibility, provides essential structural support while being cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The project employs traditional construction techniques alongside contemporary design practices, utilizing bamboo culms to form walls, roofs, and support structures that enhance the building's integration with the surrounding landscape.

The roofing system, composed of flattened bamboo panels, not only allows for natural light but also facilitates rainwater collection. This design feature addresses local climatic challenges by promoting self-sufficiency in water resources. The retreat also incorporates large openings and bamboo screens to enhance natural ventilation, creating comfortable indoor environments that reduce reliance on mechanical systems.

Spatial and Environmental Considerations

The spatial organization emphasizes an indoor-outdoor relationship that is critical to the retreat's function and experience. Each volume is elevated on stilts, offering protection against potential flooding while providing unobstructed views of the verdant landscape. This elevation also fosters air circulation beneath the structure, contributing to the overall climate control strategy.

The design's engagement with its environment extends to careful landscaping, which complements the natural features of the site. The integration of local flora promotes biodiversity and reinforces the connection between the built environment and nature.

To gain deeper insights into The Vine Retreat, including detailed architectural plans, sections, and design considerations, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation for a comprehensive understanding of this thoughtful architectural endeavor.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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