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Charred Wood Retreat Above Rice Paddies With Sustainable Bamboo Elements

Author:
Camilo Cerro
Charred Wood Retreat Above Rice Paddies With Sustainable Bamboo Elements

Project in-detail

Elevated above productive rice paddies, the cabins utilize charred wood and bamboo to create a sustainable retreat that encourages mindfulness and connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design allows uninterrupted views of surrounding rice paddies.
02
Charred wood exterior enhances durability and reduces maintenance needs.
03
Bamboo interiors provide a warm, natural atmosphere for guests.
04
Meditation terrace promotes mindfulness through outdoor experience.
05
Composting toilet system supports sustainable waste management.

The Remote Hideout Huts in Cambodia offer a thoughtful approach to design that focuses on eco-tourism and community engagement. Set against a backdrop of vibrant rice paddies, the cabins provide a place for guests to connect with nature. The design emphasizes practicality while ensuring that the structure fits well within its surroundings.

Design Concept and Layout

The overall layout features an enclosed cabin with two open terraces. One terrace is intended for meditation and yoga, while the other serves as a bathroom area. This division of space allows for privacy and effectively supports the activities of guests seeking a peaceful retreat. Elevated above the fields, the cabins provide a sense of isolation without taking away from the functional farmland.

Access and Experience

Visitors approach the huts via a bridge leading from the main road. This pathway enhances the journey into the tranquil environment. The bridge is designed to be inviting, with lights that illuminate the way at night. At its end, a seating area offers views of the rice fields, encouraging occupants to take in the calming scenery as part of their experience.

Materiality and Sustainability

Sustainable design is reflected in the materials used. The exterior of the cabins is made from wood treated with the Shou Sugi Ban method. This technique not only enhances the wood’s durability but also protects it from moisture and insects. Inside, bamboo is prominently featured, providing a warm and natural feel. A green roof further supports the building’s sustainability, enhancing insulation and blending in with the landscape.

Spatial Dynamics

The interior design emphasizes a sense of movement, aided by sliding doors that connect different areas. The bathroom is unique as it is designed as an exterior space, consisting of a bathtub, basin, and shower, with louvers for added privacy. These elements allow natural light and fresh air to enter the space, enhancing the indoor-outdoor experience.

In the sleeping area, large glass French doors invite views of the rice paddies. This design keeps occupants engaged with the surrounding landscape, making the connection to nature a central aspect of their stay. The overall experience is one of comfort and calmness, encouraging visitors to relax and appreciate their environment.

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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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