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Bamboo Huts Embracing Verticality in a Natural Retreat

Authors:
Marco Caprani, Mario Daudo
Bamboo Huts Embracing Verticality in a Natural Retreat
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Integrating vertical thrust and bamboo structures, the design creates meditative spaces within a natural retreat aimed at fostering community and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Vertical thrust enhances spatial connections with nature.
02
Bamboo huts incorporate traditional design elements.
03
Natural light filters through innovative roof structures.
04
The layout promotes communal gathering and reflection.
05
Sustainable materials support the local building culture.

The design exemplifies a thoughtful blend of traditional and contemporary Cambodian architecture. Set against a backdrop of greenery, it seeks to connect with the natural environment while addressing practical needs. The overall concept focuses on verticality, a feature that reflects elements of ancient Khmer structures, encouraging a deeper relationship with the landscape.

Verticality and Spatial Organization

At the core of the design is the idea of "vertical thrust," elevating the structure and enhancing its connection to the sky. This focus on height influences how spaces are arranged inside. The interior includes wooden shelves that serve a dual purpose: providing storage and contributing to the visual appeal. The layout promotes movement and interaction, inviting users to engage in activities ranging from quiet reflection to social gatherings. Natural light fills the rooms, creating a warm atmosphere.

Reimagining Roof Structures

The approach to roofing is a significant aspect of the design. Traditional styles have been thoughtfully reinterpreted to incorporate modern elements. By using various geometric shapes, the design achieves a "breaking of the flaps," creating lively transitions between indoor and outdoor areas. This strategy allows ample daylight to enter the spaces, enhancing the feeling of openness. The new roof forms respect cultural traditions while also considering practical functionality.

Materiality and Regional Context

Natural wood and local materials like bamboo are utilized in the project. These choices show a commitment to environmental awareness and respect for regional construction practices. By incorporating these materials, the design not only maintains a connection to Cambodian traditions but also emphasizes sustainability, anchoring the structure in its cultural context.

The arrangement features huts that are thoughtfully placed to interact with the natural terrain. Each structure is designed to fit into its surroundings, providing users with a sense of connection to the landscape. Attention to detail is evident, ensuring that the design is not only functional but also inviting, creating a peaceful atmosphere for contemplation and interaction.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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