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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
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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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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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.

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