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Corten Steel Retreat Surrounded by Bamboo and Nature

Author:
Priscilla Rocha
Corten Steel Retreat Surrounded by Bamboo and Nature

Project in-detail

Set among the treetops, the meditative loft with a 360-degree ribbon window offers panoramic views, while the use of corten steel and bamboo reinforces a deep connection to the natural environment, creating a tranquil retreat for contemplation and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Meditative loft positioned among treetops for enhanced tranquility.
02
360-degree ribbon window provides expansive views of the surrounding jungle.
03
Corten steel structure interacts visually with weathering elements.
04
Bamboo elements symbolize strength and resilience throughout the retreat.
05
Aluminum tubes function as light installations and natural cooling chimneys.

The OM design project is located in the peaceful Cambodian jungle. It serves as a retreat for meditation and self-reflection, drawing inspiration from the ancient Sanskrit mantra "ōm." The overall design focuses on creating a balance between the architecture and the surrounding nature, fostering a space that supports contemplation and community.

Architectural Layout

The layout of the OM home emphasizes a mix of private and public areas. These spaces are organized to allow easy movement and flow, enabling guests to connect with their environment. Specific zones cater to both quiet meditation and more lively interactions. This thoughtful arrangement reflects the project's foundational goals.

Materiality and Structure

Materials play a significant role in the design. Corten steel is used in the exposed structure, responding visually to the weather and illustrating the passage of time. Grounding eco concrete, set within steel framing, ensures stability and connects the retreat to the earth. Bamboo is incorporated to symbolize strength and flexibility.

Key Design Features

One notable feature is the meditation loft, raised among the treetops. It has a 360-degree ribbon window that allows for expansive views and fosters a close relationship with the landscape. Below the loft, solid walls create a hub for activity, encouraging social interaction among guests and offering opportunities for connection.

Environmental Integration

To enhance sustainability, the design includes aluminum tubes capped with glass. These elements serve as both a light installation and a cooling chimney. They capture natural breezes, allowing the space to remain comfortable without relying heavily on air conditioning. The interplay of light and shadow further enhances the atmosphere, guiding the occupants' experience as they move through the retreat.

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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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