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Bamboo Screening and Reclaimed Timber Create Tranquil Outdoor Integration in a Nature-Connected Retreat

Authors:
Benjamin Feng, Louis Panszczyk
Bamboo Screening and Reclaimed Timber Create Tranquil Outdoor Integration in a Nature-Connected Retreat

Project in-detail

Utilizing reclaimed timber and bamboo screening, the design offers a seamless connection to nature while serving as a tranquil retreat for contemplation and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes bamboo screening to enhance privacy while maintaining airflow and light.
02
Features reclaimed timber for structural integrity and a warm aesthetic.
03
Incorporates a circular layout that promotes fluid movement between spaces.
04
Includes a raised wooden deck that connects the cabin with the surrounding landscape.
05
Employs polycarbonate sheeting in the roof to allow natural light and environmental engagement.

The Respite Cabin is a carefully crafted architectural project designed to serve as a peaceful retreat within a natural landscape. The structure integrates seamlessly with its surroundings, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and the principles of biophilic design. The cabin serves as a sanctuary for individuals seeking an escape from daily life, encouraging connection with nature through its spatial organization and material choices.

The project emphasizes the use of natural materials, including reclaimed timber, stone, polycarbonate sheeting, glass, and concrete. This thoughtful selection enhances both aesthetic appeal and ecological responsibility. The cabin features a circular layout, which supports a flow of movement and interaction between various spaces while fostering a sense of unity with the environment.

The entrance opens into a multifunctional living space, designed to maximize natural light and views. Large glass windows invite the outside in, creating a continuous dialogue between interior and exterior landscapes. The inclusion of outdoor terraces promotes interaction with nature and allows for flexibility in the use of space.

A unique aspect of this project is the incorporation of garden spaces and outdoor areas that encourage ecological engagement. The raised wooden deck pathway provides access to these elements while maintaining a connection to the cabin. Additionally, the use of bamboo screening within the interior partitions ensures privacy without sacrificing light and airflow, exemplifying a sensitivity to occupants' needs.

The roof structure of the cabin features a slope that not only enhances its aesthetic profile but also serves practical functions such as water drainage and protection from the elements. This design solution reflects a deep understanding of environmental conditions, further solidifying the integration of architecture and context.

Another distinctive feature is the cabin’s modularity, which allows it to adapt to various uses over time. This flexibility is intentional, providing occupants with the ability to personalize their experience while maintaining the core design principles of tranquility and cohesion with nature.

The Respite Cabin stands out for its meticulous attention to environmental sustainability and its seamless blend of architecture and nature. This project serves as a valuable case study in modern design approaches, focusing on passive environmental strategies and materiality tailored to the site.

For a deeper understanding of the Respite Cabin, including architectural plans, sections, and design details, further exploration of the project presentation is recommended. An analysis of the architectural ideas and concepts involved offers insight into the innovative approaches that define this architectural endeavor.

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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
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