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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

Project in-detail

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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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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