Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Floating Plinth Embraces Nature Amid Cambodian Landscape

Author:
Mateo Deza
Floating Plinth Embraces Nature Amid Cambodian Landscape

Project in-detail

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.

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