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Bamboo Cladding and Light Tubes Define a Sustainable Retreat in Natural Surroundings

Author:
Priscilla Rocha
Bamboo Cladding and Light Tubes Define a Sustainable Retreat in Natural Surroundings

Project in-detail

A meditation loft surrounded by bamboo cladding and illuminated by natural light tubes creates a harmonious retreat that fosters mindfulness and connection to the environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Meditation loft designed with 360-degree natural light access.
02
Bamboo cladding incorporates local, sustainable materials.
03
Light tubes enhance passive ventilation and daylighting.
04
Elevated stilt foundation minimizes ecological impact.
05
Open floor plan promotes communal and individual reflection.
The architectural design project, "OM Home," represents a synthesis of sustainability, mindfulness, and connection to nature. Situated in a tranquil environment, the project serves as a retreat that encourages meditation, reflection, and personal growth. The design incorporates principles rooted in enhancing the human experience through a thoughtful integration of natural elements and materials.

The OM Home features a central open area designed for communal activities, supplemented by private spaces tailored for individual reflection. The integration of a meditation loft, accessed by a ladder, optimizes vertical space while providing an intimate setting surrounded by the natural landscape. The design prioritizes natural light, achieved through strategic placements of glass, particularly in the roof, facilitating a connection with the outdoors.

Innovative Design Approaches

The unique design of OM Home lies in its use of materials and structural innovation. Concrete provides a sturdy foundation, symbolizing resilience, while bamboo is utilized for cladding, offering both aesthetic appeal and sustainability. This combination of materials creates a dynamic contrast between solidity and lightness, showcasing a contemporary architectural approach that respects traditional values.

Incorporating light and wind tubes as part of the design enhances the project's passive energy strategies. These tubes promote natural ventilation and daylighting, significantly reducing reliance on artificial systems, which is in alignment with the project's sustainability goals. Elevated on stilts, the structure adapts to the environmental context, preventing flood risk and promoting natural airflow underneath. This approach not only protects the building but also minimizes its ecological footprint.

Connection to Surroundings

Outdoor spaces, including private balconies and patios, extend the interior experience into the natural landscape. This design promotes interaction with the environment and encourages mindfulness, reinforcing the project’s core concept of connecting to nature. The careful arrangement of spaces fosters an atmosphere of tranquility and introspection, making it an effective retreat for users.

The architectural plans reveal a coherent spatial organization that directs movement through the spaces while maintaining visual connectivity with the natural surroundings. The architectural sections illustrate the interplay between light and space, where shadows shift and change throughout the day, enhancing the lived experience within the home.

For a comprehensive understanding of the design strategies and spatial configurations, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans and sections associated with OM Home. This review will provide deeper insights into the architectural ideas that define this project and illustrate its functions in the landscape. Engage with the architectural designs to appreciate how OM Home effectively integrates modern architecture with a commitment to sustainability and thoughtful living.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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