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Elevated Bamboo Hideout Emphasizing Natural Ventilation and Sensory Experiences

Authors:
Chee Yuen Choy, Ming Tse Wang
Elevated Bamboo Hideout Emphasizing Natural Ventilation and Sensory Experiences
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An elevated structure of bamboo promotes natural ventilation and sensory engagement, offering a refreshing retreat that blends seamlessly with its tropical surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated structure minimizes ecological impact while allowing for natural stormwater drainage.
02
Bamboo construction promotes sustainability and cultural relevance in the region.
03
Open concept design facilitates continuous airflow and enhances user comfort.
04
Sensory experiences are prioritized with elements like tropical scents and natural textures.
05
Large openings frame views of the surrounding landscape, integrating users with nature.

The design presents a retreat that encourages a renewed connection with nature in a world where digital technology often distances individuals from their surroundings. Situated in a landscape that offers rich natural beauty, the structure is intended to dissolve the boundaries between inside and outside. Its primary function is to serve as a space for relaxation and reflection, promoting an engagement with the elements that make up the environment.

Connection with Nature

The open design allows light, air, and natural landscapes to flow freely throughout the structure. This integration creates an immersive experience for those within the space. By blurring the lines between the indoors and outdoors, the retreat invites occupants to fully engage with their natural surroundings. This aspect of the design reinforces a sense of place that can often be lost in urban areas.

Elevated Structure

The hut is elevated to reduce the impact on the existing landscape and vegetation. This height prevents disruption to the local ecology and promotes water drainage, allowing rainwater to flow naturally beneath the building. The elevation also grants occupants an enhanced view of the surroundings, bringing them closer to the beauty of the landscape. This thoughtful placement respects the topography and integrates the structure with the environment.

Natural Ventilation

Ventilation plays a crucial role in the overall design. The raised platform encourages airflow, allowing warm air to escape while cooler breezes can flow in from below. By avoiding the use of mechanical air conditioning, the design promotes energy efficiency. This approach encourages users to experience the natural climate and fosters a deeper awareness of the outdoor conditions.

Sensory Engagement

The design focuses on engaging the senses. Tactile materials, such as bamboo and stone, provide texture and depth. Visitors can experience the scents of tropical fruits and feel the warmth of sunlight streaming through openings in the structure. These sensory details enrich the experience of being in the space and emphasize the connection to the natural world.

Large openings frame views of the landscape, allowing both visual and aural connections to the environment. This design choice serves as a reminder of the outdoor world, reinforcing the idea that nature is an ever-present part of the experience within the retreat.

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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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.

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20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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