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Bamboo Structure Embraces Natural Light and Integrates Ayurvedic Principles in Residential Retreat

Bamboo Structure Embraces Natural Light and Integrates Ayurvedic Principles in Residential Retreat
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Incorporating locally sourced bamboo and passive design strategies, the residence optimally utilizes natural light while adhering to Ayurvedic principles, creating a holistic living environment tailored for wellness and meditation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes bamboo for structural integrity and sustainability.
02
Features large overhangs for enhanced shading and thermal comfort.
03
Incorporates multiple dedicated meditation and yoga spaces.
04
Aligns design with Ayurvedic principles for holistic living.
05
Optimizes natural light through strategic window placements.

## Project Overview

"The Home of Shadows" is situated in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand, an area known for its scenic mountains and diverse forests. The design intent is to cultivate a living environment that promotes harmony with nature, aligned with the principles of Ayurveda and the natural rhythms of life. This residence accommodates a couple dedicated to yoga and holistic wellness, creating a sanctuary that supports their lifestyle and practices.

### Spatial Arrangement

The architectural layout is meticulously organized to foster interaction and tranquility. Centralized living areas promote social engagement while offering expansive views and natural ventilation. Dedicated spaces for meditation and yoga prioritize acoustic control and subtle lighting adjustments to enhance introspection and calmness. The dining area connects seamlessly to the kitchen, reinforcing the importance of shared culinary experiences that reflect Ayurvedic nourishment principles. Guest rooms are thoughtfully arranged to ensure privacy while contributing to the communal atmosphere. Utility areas are discreetly integrated to maintain an aesthetic of simplicity, and landscaped outdoor spaces encourage a connection with the natural environment.

### Material and Environmental Strategies

The material palette is consciously selected to align with the surrounding environment, employing locally sourced materials such as bamboo, which not only emphasizes sustainability but also provides flexibility in design. Large windows strategically positioned throughout the residence optimize natural light while minimizing direct sunlight exposure, creating dynamic shadow patterns that enhance both the atmosphere and comfort. The project also incorporates passive design strategies that adapt to climatic variations, ensuring energy efficiency and occupant comfort throughout the changing seasons. The design reflects a commitment to environmental sustainability, with landscaping that integrates native plant species and reinforces ecological well-being in the context of the home’s surroundings. Each space is informed by Ayurvedic principles, organized to align with daily routines and promote a balanced lifestyle.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5
MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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

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