Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Elevated Thatched Lodge with Gabled Roofs and Natural Filtration

Authors:
Habibah Salman, Aya Rahmy
Elevated Thatched Lodge with Gabled Roofs and Natural Filtration

Project in-detail

Elevated above the ground, the thatched lodge incorporates an innovative gabled roof design and an integrated rainwater filtration system, offering a space for meditation and connection to Cambodia's rich silk weaving heritage.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated structure built on a triangular framework to prevent flooding.
02
Thatched shell design reflects traditional Cambodian silk weaving techniques.
03
Integrated rainwater filtration system promotes environmental sustainability.
04
Functional divisions for meditation, sleep, and storage enhance user experience.
05
Gabled roofs efficiently manage rainwater drainage and airflow.

The Silk Hut is located in Cambodia and is designed to celebrate the country's heritage of silk weaving. The lodge incorporates a design inspired by the concept of a cocoon, providing visitors with a sense of shelter while connecting them to the natural surroundings. Elevated above the ground on a triangular framework, the structure achieves stability while promoting an immersive experience.

Design Inspiration

The design reflects traditional Cambodian architecture, particularly the practice of raising homes on stilts to avoid seasonal flooding. This elevation allows the space to remain resilient in its environment. Inside, the lodge includes designated areas for sleeping, meditation, and storage. This thoughtful arrangement enhances usability and guides visitors through the space intuitively.

Material Usage

The Silk Hut features a thatched shell that connects with the local tradition of silk weaving. This material choice emphasizes cultural significance and adds to the visual appeal of the structure. A concrete foundation offers a solid base, while wood serves as a lightweight framework. Reed is also used for the outer skin, reinforcing the structure’s relationship with the surrounding natural environment.

Sustainable Features

Sustainable practices are integral to the design, particularly in addressing the local climate. Gabled roofs help manage rainwater effectively, channeling it through an exoskeleton into an underground filtration system. This design approach respects the local ecosystem and demonstrates a commitment to environmental care while integrating with the landscape.

Visual Connectivity

The lodge's height not only provides protection but also offers views of the surrounding area. Open terraces allow visitors to engage with the landscape fully. The relationship between the structure and its site enhances the experience, inviting guests to appreciate the tranquility and beauty of the natural environment surrounding the Silk Hut.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy