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Bamboo Retreat Featuring Thatch Roof and Outdoor Serenity

Author:
Steve Pribyl
Bamboo Retreat Featuring Thatch Roof and Outdoor Serenity
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Constructed with locally sourced bamboo and topped with a thatch roof, the retreat offers a tranquil escape focused on meditation and relaxation in the heart of Cambodia's forests.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed entirely from locally sourced bamboo, reinforcing cultural ties.
02
Thatch roofing provides effective thermal insulation suited for the local climate.
03
Designed with flexible outdoor decks to enhance connection with nature.
04
Includes dedicated areas specifically for meditation and relaxation.
05
Layout inspired by traditional Cambodian forms to honor local heritage.

The Remote Hideout Huts project is located in the quiet forests of Cambodia and is designed as a retreat that enhances the connection between visitors and nature. The overall concept focuses on blending in with the environment while reflecting local culture. Each hut provides space for relaxation and meditation, offering a calm escape within the natural landscape.

Architectural Form

The design takes inspiration from traditional Cambodian shapes, particularly resembling local hats. This style reflects the cultural heritage of the area. The layout supports both private reflection and social interaction, allowing visitors to enjoy various activities in thoughtfully arranged spaces.

Materiality

Locally sourced materials are a key part of the design, reinforcing the connection to the environment. Bamboo makes up the walls and screens, known for its strength and suitability for the region. The thatch used for the roof provides effective shelter from the elements and is a technique rooted in local practices. Wood framing offers stability while contributing to the overall rustic look and feel of the huts.

Sustainable Features

Passive cooling is central to the comfort of the huts. Features such as low-speed fans and operable windows encourage natural airflow, reducing the need for energy use. Outdoor decks extend the usable space, allowing for dining and relaxing outdoors. These spaces are designed to enhance interaction with the forest, inviting guests to enjoy the surrounding beauty.

The integration of these design elements creates accommodation that respects and complements its cultural and natural context. Each hut serves not only as a place to stay but also as a means for guests to engage more deeply with the peaceful Cambodian landscape. The play of light and shadow through the thatch roof and bamboo walls adds to the experience, drawing attention to the dynamics between built space and nature.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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