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Bamboo Walls and Traditional Bricks in Elevated Private Cabins for Community Living

Authors:
Albert Manhertz, Norbert Takacs, Beata Bocska
Bamboo Walls and Traditional Bricks in Elevated Private Cabins for Community Living

Project in-detail

Elevated private cabins constructed with traditional Cambodian bricks and bamboo walls offer a communal living experience that balances privacy and social interaction in a natural setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated cabins provide enhanced airflow and moisture control.
02
Community area features traditional Cambodian bricks for ventilation and aesthetics.
03
Transparent cabin sides allow natural light while keeping insects out.
04
Shared resources are centralized to promote community engagement.
05
Incorporation of landscaping serves as a natural buffer for privacy.

The Cabinfamily project presents a contemporary approach to residential design that combines small private units with a communal living area in Cambodia. The overall concept focuses on promoting community interaction while ensuring residents have their own space for privacy and reflection. The design attends to both social and environmental considerations, making it suitable for its setting.

Architecture Concept

The central community area is built using traditional Cambodian bricks, selected for their durability and visual appeal. This space serves multiple functions, acting as a place for gatherings and shared meals, while also providing quieter corners for contemplation. A small kitchen, complete with a fireplace, supports communal dining, fostering social connections among residents.

Materiality and Structure

Private cabins are elevated and arranged on raised planks, surrounded by greenery that creates a natural buffer for privacy. Lightweight wooden structures are utilized in the cabins, reflecting the traditional rural architecture of Cambodia. Elevated floors help reduce humidity and improve air circulation, adapting to the local climate and building practices.

Interior Design and Amenities

Cabins are designed with partial enclosures and include transparent sides to allow natural light to filter through while keeping insects outside. This arrangement results in a welcoming living environment. Each cabin features a yoga terrace and a smart box equipped with essentials like an electric kettle and stove, combining practicality with comfort. Water is sourced from the central community area, encouraging residents to share resources.

Environmental Considerations

The design incorporates green elements, such as bamboo walls and low-lying plantations that promote sustainability and ecological awareness. The layout connects communal and private spaces through well-placed pathways. This thoughtful arrangement allows residents to enjoy both social engagement and personal respite.

One notable feature is the use of perforated brick patterns in the community area. These patterns enhance ventilation and add an intricate visual quality, creating a play of light and shadow that enriches the overall experience of the space.

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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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