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Lotus-Inspired Retreat Featuring Bamboo and Recycled Glass in a Natural Setting

Author:
Richard Gordon
Lotus-Inspired Retreat Featuring Bamboo and Recycled Glass in a Natural Setting
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Incorporating a lotus-inspired design with an octagonal layout, the retreat employs bamboo and recycled glass to create a tranquil environment for meditation and wellness in the natural landscape of Kep, Cambodia.
5 key facts about this project
01
Lotus flower design influences the overall shape and layout of the retreat.
02
The octagonal layout signifies spiritual wholeness and tranquility.
03
Bamboo and recycled glass are prominently used for sustainability.
04
Central meditation space enhances focus on mindfulness and reflection.
05
The roof resembles lotus petals, providing natural shelter from elements.

The Lotus Flower Retreat Hut, located in Kep, Cambodia, serves as a place for visitors to relax and reconnect with nature. Its design centers around a theme inspired by the lotus flower, which symbolizes purity and tranquility. The hut provides a peaceful space for mental, physical, and spiritual well-being, all while integrating into the surrounding landscape.

Design Concept

The architectural approach is rooted in the form of the lotus flower, featuring organic shapes that enhance the experience for users. The design includes elements such as opening panels, rotating roofs, and open decks to create flexible spaces. This thoughtful arrangement allows visitors to engage deeply with their environment while enjoying various views and atmospheres.

Site Planning

The arrangement of huts on the site is intentional, striking a balance between privacy and accessibility. Some units are located near the main Vine Retreat, making them easy to access, while other huts are placed farther away for those seeking solitude. This strategic positioning allows guests to appreciate the beauty of the rural landscape, fostering relaxation and introspection.

Spatial Organization

The core of the hut features a meditation space designed for reflection and peace. Its octagonal layout represents spiritual wholeness and can accommodate different activities. The retractable fold-down bed allows for flexibility depending on the needs of the occupants. Nearby amenities, like a toilet room and outdoor shower, are integrated to ensure a smooth connection between indoor and outdoor areas, promoting a harmonious living experience.

Structural Features

The roof of the hut resembles the petals of the lotus flower and provides necessary shelter from the elements. Its design promotes passive cooling, helping to maintain comfort inside. The central pod, shaped with triangular panels, creates a stable structure while allowing natural light to enter. This play of light enhances the atmosphere, adding to the sense of calm and inviting guests to unwind.

Every design element contributes to an overall focus on creating a restful and engaging environment. From the thoughtful spaces to the carefully chosen forms, the Lotus Flower Retreat Hut captures the essence of the lotus flower in its architecture, offering visitors a chance to find solace and connection amidst nature.

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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.

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