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Macropcarpa Cladding and Adaptive Shade Structures in a Resilient Cambodian Retreat

Author:
Kayley Adams
Macropcarpa Cladding and Adaptive Shade Structures in a Resilient Cambodian Retreat

Project in-detail

Relying on macropcarpa cladding and an innovative shade structure, the design creates a resilient environment that integrates natural ventilation and thermal comfort to support yoga practices in a humid Cambodian setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
The shade structure adjusts using a lever and pulley system for optimal thermal comfort.
02
Multiple apertures at varied heights enhance natural ventilation and user control.
03
Rough macropcarpa cladding allows the building to blend into the natural environment.
04
The design promotes both communal gathering and individual reflection areas.
05
The compact form is oriented to maximize seasonal wind benefits for cooling.

The design introduces a strong connection between the Cambodian culture and the practice of yoga. It is located in a region characterized by humidity and heat, highlighting the need for features that enhance comfort and usability. The main idea here is resilience, which serves as a guiding principle throughout the design. The structure supports activities that promote relaxation, reflection, and community interaction.

Shade Structure
A significant feature of the design is the shade structure, which plays a key role in maintaining thermal comfort. It captures cooling breezes from the Southwest during monsoon season and from the Northeast when it is dry. This adaptability is achieved through a lever and pulley system, allowing the shade panels to adjust according to the weather. By making these adjustments possible, the design caters to the comfort of all who use the space.

Thermal Comfort and User Control
Multiple apertures placed at different heights contribute to improved thermal comfort and give users control over their environment. These openings enable cross-ventilation, letting fresh air circulate freely. Occupants are encouraged to engage actively with their surroundings. The arrangement of spaces accommodates various activities, from lively gatherings to quiet moments of solitude. This thoughtful design promotes a healthy balance between community and personal time.

Material Choices
The architecture features rough macropcarpa cladding, which adds character to the structure while addressing practical needs. This material helps the building fit within its natural setting. Light-colored surfaces are used to reduce heat absorption from sunlight, enhancing the comfort level inside. These material choices not only support aesthetic goals but also contribute to efficiency in the warm, humid climate.

The design incorporates sustainable principles by considering its orientation relative to seasonal winds. High-performance windows and effective shading elements are used to maximize natural light while keeping the heat outside. A compact form aids in energy efficiency, creating a space that emphasizes resilience and user experience, inviting a direct connection with the natural environment.

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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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