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Bamboo Retreat with Retractable Roof for Mindful Living

Authors:
Rainer Strauss, Andrej Vujasinovikj
Bamboo Retreat with Retractable Roof for Mindful Living

Project in-detail

Constructed primarily from bamboo, this retreat offers a unique experience with a retractable roof that enhances engagement with the surrounding nature, serving as a space for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed entirely from sustainably sourced bamboo.
02
Features a retractable roof that allows for open-air experiences.
03
Incorporates a flexible upper level designed for yoga and meditation.
04
Designed to accommodate water level fluctuations with floating capabilities.
05
Promotes community through shared dining and gathering spaces.

The "ZEN HUT" is a design intended to create a peaceful retreat that connects with nature. Set in a tranquil landscape, it offers a place for meditation and self-discovery, allowing people to escape the pressures of city life. The overall design is guided by the principles of ecotourism, emphasizing care for the environment and low impact living.

Design Concept

The hut features two levels, carefully designed to enhance the experience of its users. The ground level includes essential spaces such as a dining area, a small kitchen, and a bathroom, which promote interaction among guests. The upper level acts as a private retreat, with a sleeping area and a flexible space for yoga and meditation. With a roof that can retract, the design allows visitors to enjoy direct views of the sky and be present in nature.

Materiality

Bamboo is central to the construction of the hut, chosen for its sustainable properties and visual appeal. This fast-growing grass is known for its strength and durability, making it suitable for a project focused on environmental friendliness. The walls are made from woven bamboo culms, creating a warm and inviting interior that connects occupants to the outside. This use of material strengthens the commitment to sustainability while enhancing the overall aesthetic.

Functional Elements

The design includes functional features that support the varied needs of visitors. Outdoor activity areas, storage options, and a floor trapdoor leading to a relaxing net reflect the intention to create spaces that encourage both social interaction and personal reflection. The layout is practical, allowing guests to engage with their surroundings while also enjoying private moments when desired.

Structural Integrity

The structural design consists of two main supporting frames, arranged to rest on four foundation elements. Floors are made from sectioned bamboo culms, positioned on primary and secondary joists that help evenly distribute weight. The roof features overlapping halved culms, minimizing water entry and adding to the structure’s durability. This approach to structural details showcases a focus on resilience and a harmonious relationship with nature.

The retractable roof creates opportunities for users to immerse themselves in their surroundings, allowing the indoor space to extend outwards, thus blending the inside and outside environments.

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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

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