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Elevated Bamboo Retreat Emphasizing Nature Integration

Author:
Marwan Hamama
Elevated Bamboo Retreat Emphasizing Nature Integration
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Elevated above the landscape, the bamboo retreat utilizes bio-sourced materials to create a harmonious connection with nature, serving as a versatile space for living and meditation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design inspired by treehouses for enhanced nature interaction.
02
Utilizes bamboo fiber as a primary building material for sustainability.
03
Multi-functional space adaptable for living and meditation use.
04
Clear distinction between service and retreat areas for privacy.
05
Integrates local architectural forms, reflecting cultural heritage.

The design is located in Cambodia, addressing local ecological challenges while incorporating traditional forms with modern functionality. The concept focuses on the relationship between buildings and their natural surroundings. It creates a retreat that emphasizes both privacy and a connection to nature. The project includes three distinct spaces: a service area, a multi-purpose zone, and an elevated bedroom, each contributing to a unified experience that honors the local context.

Architectural Composition

The layout provides a service area that serves as a transition space, effectively separating daily functional elements from the calm of the retreat. This area enhances the feeling of privacy and enclosure, allowing users to experience a retreat from the outside world. The arrangement facilitates easy movement while clearly distinguishing between work and relaxation zones.

Multi-Purpose Environment

The multi-purpose space acts as both a living area and a meditation room. Its design lets in plenty of natural light while offering views of the surrounding landscape. This openness strengthens the bond between the interior and the exterior, encouraging occupants to engage with nature. The flexibility of this space allows it to meet various needs throughout the day, becoming an essential part of the overall experience.

Elevated Bedroom

The bedroom is positioned high above the ground, creating a sense of seclusion similar to that of a treehouse. This placement not only ensures privacy but also provides expansive views of the lush surroundings. The design allows occupants to feel connected to their environment while offering a peaceful place for rest and reflection.

Materiality and Sustainability

A focus on bio-sourced materials highlights a commitment to sustainability. The use of a prefabricated structure made from bamboo fiber reflects a thoughtful selection of local resources. This choice minimizes the ecological impact while honoring the region's traditional craftsmanship. The overall approach supports the goal of blending with the environment and local culture.

The rooflines rise gently toward the sky, inspired by the forms found in Angkor temples. They serve both an aesthetic purpose and a practical response to heavy rainfall, maintaining the connection to the architectural heritage of Cambodia while ensuring the shelter’s functionality.

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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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