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Bamboo Cladding and Natural Ventilation in a Small Retreat

Authors:
Sonja Losonci johnson, Karolina Adamiec
Bamboo Cladding and Natural Ventilation in a Small Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed with locally-sourced bamboo cladding and designed for optimal natural ventilation, the retreat offers a private sanctuary that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily from locally-sourced bamboo to promote sustainability.
02
Utilizes varying cladding density to balance privacy and light.
03
Features passive natural ventilation for energy efficiency.
04
Incorporates rotating wooden shutters for adjustable shading.
05
Designed with elevated spaces for enhanced views and airflow.

The Cambodia Remote Hideout Hut is set in a beautiful natural area, designed to foster a connection with the environment. It serves as a retreat that emphasizes sustainability and the comfort of its users. The design focuses on providing natural ventilation and ensuring privacy, creating a calm living space that aligns well with its surroundings.

Design Concept and Spatial Organization

Sustainability and low maintenance drive the overall design, which features an elevated open-space layout. This design choice promotes airflow throughout the structure, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems. With plenty of opportunities for natural light, the living areas feel bright and inviting. The arrangement encourages a balance between indoor and outdoor spaces, giving occupants a chance to relax and enjoy nature.

Materiality and Construction

Bamboo is the main material used in the hut's construction, sourced locally to support the nearby community. This choice reflects a commitment to using available resources while providing a durable structure. In addition to bamboo, the design includes a waterproofing membrane and roller mosquito nets. These elements ensure practical living conditions by managing both weather and pests. Rotating wooden shutters allow for customizable light and privacy, adding to the overall functionality of the space.

Privacy and Circulation

Privacy plays an important role in the design. The varying density of the cladding creates private nooks without blocking out light or views. The layout is carefully organized, allowing easy movement between communal and private areas. This thoughtful planning supports social interaction while respecting personal space, making the retreat a comfortable place for its users.

The architectural details highlight a balance between functionality and aesthetics. The use of bamboo and other materials shows a focus on ecological practices, creating a retreat that is not only practical but also attuned to its setting. The result is a space where occupants can connect with both nature and themselves.

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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

Enter an open architecture
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