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Hut of Natural Brown and White Simplicity in a Cambodian Retreat

Authors:
Abel Laki, Julia Gunther, Eszter Reti
Hut of Natural Brown and White Simplicity in a Cambodian Retreat

Project in-detail

Crafted with natural brown tones and a focus on simplicity, the hut integrates seamlessly into the Cambodian landscape, offering a serene retreat for reflection and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted entirely with local materials to ensure harmony with the environment.
02
Designed to maximize natural light through a series of strategically placed openings.
03
Features a bent A-frame structure that enhances stability and aesthetic simplicity.
04
Includes dedicated spaces for reflection, enhancing the overall calm experience.
05
Emphasizes functionality by addressing essential living needs with minimal distraction.

The design features a remote hideout hut located in a Vine Retreat in Cambodia. It serves as a simple and functional dwelling, designed with the fundamental needs of its occupants in mind. The approach emphasizes minimalism, focusing on key living spaces while maintaining a connection to the natural environment.

Conceptual Framework

Minimalism is at the heart of the design, stripping down the elements of a home to their most essential parts. Every space in the hut plays a crucial role. Areas for sleeping, bathing, and cooking are intentionally planned to enhance practicality. The intent is to create an atmosphere that feels clear and calm, allowing occupants to enjoy their surroundings without distraction.

Spatial Organization

The arrangement of the hut promotes easy movement and interaction between different areas. Each functional zone is clearly defined but flows together, creating a sense of comfort and openness. This thoughtful spatial organization encourages inhabitants to relate to the peace of the retreat’s environment. It balances moments of solitude with opportunities for reflection and connection.

Cultural Sensitivity

The design respects the cultural context of Cambodia, ensuring that the hut resonates with local characteristics. While specific materials are not mentioned, the project's intention is to blend with the natural landscape, reinforcing a sense of place. This sensitivity adds significance to the dwelling, making it more than just a shelter but a space that embodies its location.

Natural light plays a key role in the experience of the hut. Large openings in the roof allow sunlight to enter and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. The design aims to provide comfort while drawing occupants into the beauty of the outdoor setting, enhancing the overall living experience.

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

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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

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