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Floating Plinth Embraces Nature Amid Cambodian Landscape

Author:
Mateo Deza
Floating Plinth Embraces Nature Amid Cambodian Landscape
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The floating plinth harmonizes with the Cambodian landscape, offering a unique space for contemplation and meditation through its thoughtful integration of light and design elements that encourage connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating plinth integrates with the terrain, enhancing privacy while maximizing natural views.
02
Curved spatial elements promote movement and interaction with the surrounding landscape.
03
Skylights provide natural light, creating varying atmospheres throughout the day.
04
Sliding doors facilitate seamless indoor-outdoor transitions for users.
05
Multi-use functionality caters to diverse activities, from meditation to social gatherings.

Solid Furniture: Cambodia Remote Hideout Huts creates an experience that connects people with the beauty of the Cambodian landscape. Located within a tranquil environment, the design introduces a "floating plinth" as a key feature. This plinth acts as both a space for meditation and a supporting structure. The focus is on encouraging deep connections between visitors and nature.

Design Concept
The floating plinth serves as a core element that meets necessary functional needs while promoting individual interactions with the surroundings. The table-like form of the plinth enhances its utility, providing a specific area for contemplation and relaxation. The design stands out through its careful use of spatial dynamics, including curves and poche, which enrich the overall architectural expression.

Natural Light
Natural light plays a crucial role in the design. Skylights and voids are used to bring daylight into the interior. This creates a bright atmosphere and strengthens the connection to the outdoors. By allowing views of the landscape, users can feel more engaged with their environment. Railing elements help guide people as they move throughout the space.

Façade and Texture
The façade consists of various textures that lend an impression of levitation. These different finishes not only enhance visual interest but also reflect the approach taken in the design. The thoughtful use of materials creates a lively connection with the surrounding landscape, making the structure blend in harmoniously with nature.

Privacy and Integration
By lowering the building into the ground by half a level, privacy is achieved while maintaining a sense of being part of the forest. This design choice provides visitors with a retreat-like atmosphere, wrapping them in nature while ensuring spaces for solitude and reflection. The design encourages a bond between users and their environment.

With sliding doors and permeable terraces, the building supports an inside/outside flow. This design creates opportunities for movement and interaction throughout the space. Overall, the thoughtful planning of this site invites people to engage fully with the natural beauty that surrounds them, creating a unique experience for all who visit.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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