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Bamboo Louvers and Green Roofs Enhancing Cambodian Hideaways

Author:
Jayson Mata
Bamboo Louvers and Green Roofs Enhancing Cambodian Hideaways

Project in-detail

Employing locally sourced bamboo and integrating green roofs, the design creates a sustainable retreat that harmonizes with the Cambodian landscape, offering guests a unique hideaway experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates bamboo louvers for natural ventilation and light control.
02
The huts are strategically distanced to enhance privacy and minimize site impact.
03
A green roof integrates vegetation, promoting biodiversity and environmental harmony.
04
An optional pool reflects the cultural significance of water in Cambodian life.
05
Components are pre-cut and pre-assembled off-site to improve construction efficiency.

Located in the vibrant landscapes of Cambodia, the Remote Hideout Huts project offers a blend of sustainability and cultural significance within a compact design framework. It aims to create an immersive guest experience while maintaining a focus on ecological responsibility. The design includes a well-organized arrangement of spaces, featuring a main bedroom, bathroom, meditation area, and deck. The overall form is inspired by ancient Khmer temples, which establishes a strong connection with the region's architectural history.

Spatial Organization

The huts are arranged thoughtfully to enhance the user experience. Each unit includes essential facilities while promoting a sense of openness. The entryway is designed with flexibility, allowing adaptability depending on site conditions. An optional pool configuration provides additional recreational space for guests. The symmetric layout not only reflects cultural reverence but also fosters a calm, welcoming environment.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability underlines the design and construction of the huts. Locally sourced bamboo is the primary material, known for its rapid growth and low environmental impact. Roughly 350 bamboo poles are used in each hut, supporting local economies and ecological practices. Pre-cut and pre-assembled components help to streamline construction, reducing the time spent on-site and enhancing resource efficiency. The huts are spaced strategically to limit disruption to the landscape, ensuring privacy and preserving the natural surroundings.

Architectural Inspiration

The design draws from traditional Cambodian elements, especially the use of bamboo rafts, which symbolize a historical relationship with water. Bent bamboo louvers reflect local craftsmanship and provide both ventilation and natural light. A green roof blends vegetation with the structure, echoing the longstanding relationship between nature and building practices seen throughout Khmer history.

Visual Connection to Nature

The architectural approach establishes a strong bond between indoor and outdoor spaces, promoting a peaceful atmosphere for guests. The thoughtful inclusion of water features, such as the optional pool, highlights the cultural significance of water in Cambodian life. Treated bamboo beams and rafters contribute not only to the structural reliability of the huts but also serve as a visual reminder of traditional construction methods that coexist with the landscape.

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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
competition now

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