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Bamboo Framework and Elevated Huts Foster Mindfulness in Natural Retreat

Authors:
Miho Takahashi, Ryo Murata, Minato Hashimoto
Bamboo Framework and Elevated Huts Foster Mindfulness in Natural Retreat

Project in-detail

Elevated bamboo huts with open-air designs and communal meditation spaces create a harmonious retreat, inviting individuals to connect with nature and enhance their mindfulness practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project incorporates bamboo as a primary structural element, showcasing local building traditions.
02
Elevated hut designs enhance airflow and provide an immersive connection with the surrounding forest.
03
Open-air communal spaces encourage social interaction and mindfulness practices among visitors.
04
Natural stone walls provide a solid foundation while harmonizing with the landscape.
05
Sustainable materials like galvalume and PVC-coated fabric ensure durability and longevity in the elements.
The architectural project known as Transition Wedge is a thoughtful response to contemporary needs for mindfulness and connection with nature. Situated in a serene forest landscape, this design seamlessly blends traditional Cambodian architectural elements with modern sensibilities, creating spaces that are both functional and spiritually engaging. The project embodies a philosophy that prioritizes well-being through its architectural layout, materiality, and design approach.

Transition Wedge serves multiple functions, primarily focused on providing an environment conducive to meditation, reflection, and a sense of community. The layout includes a series of wedge-shaped hideout huts, designed to accommodate individuals seeking solitude as well as groups engaged in shared practices. This duality is at the heart of the design, promoting personal introspection while also fostering social interactions.

The architecture of Transition Wedge emphasizes the importance of connectivity between the occupants and their natural surroundings. Each hut features open-air designs, with elevated structures that allow for air circulation while maintaining a close relationship with the environment. The use of large openings ensures a flow of natural light and air, creating inviting spaces that draw in the sensory experiences of the forest. This thoughtful integration of indoor and outdoor spaces enhances the overall user experience, offering a retreat that feels both connected to the earth and removed from everyday distractions.

Attention to materiality plays a crucial role in the design. Transition Wedge employs bamboo, galvalume steel, stone, and natural wood, reflecting traditional building practices while incorporating modern sustainable metrics. Bamboo serves as an excellent structural material, known for its durability and flexibility. The roofs made from galvalume steel offer longevity and withstand the elements, while stone walls provide a grounding presence in the landscape. The wooden elements add warmth, enhancing the comfort and tranquility sought in mindfulness practices.

Unique design approaches stand out in Transition Wedge, particularly in how it adapts traditional forms to contemporary life. The steep roofs echo the gables of classic Cambodian architecture but are reinterpreted for modern use. The project’s shape facilitates an efficient design that merges functionality with aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the incorporation of communal spaces, like group meditation areas and an interactive water basin, highlights the versatility and adaptability of the architecture. This design encourages occupants to engage with one another and their surroundings in meaningful ways.

One of the key aspects of Transition Wedge is its sustainability and environmental consciousness. By leveraging local materials and building techniques, the project not only respects the cultural heritage of Cambodia but also promotes ecological responsibility. The choice of materials minimizes the carbon footprint while ensuring that the structures harmonize with the natural landscape, fostering a sense of stewardship among users.

Moreover, the architectural ergonomics of the huts promote wellness, enabling users to transition between private reflection and collective experience fluidly. This adaptability reflects a modern understanding of architectural needs, where designs must accommodate diverse human activities in a harmonious manner.

As you explore the presentation of Transition Wedge, consider delving deeper into its architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural ideas for a comprehensive understanding of how this project embodies the intersection of mindfulness, design, and cultural heritage. The project's layout and material selection, along with its overarching philosophy, present a valuable case study in contemporary architecture that respects tradition while responding to current demands for wellness and community.
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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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