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Natural Bamboo Retreat with Petal-Shaped Shutters

Authors:
Franciszek Przepiórka, Edyta Kaszuba, Maria Mitrzak, Zuzanna Bednarska
Natural Bamboo Retreat with Petal-Shaped Shutters
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With its petal-shaped shutters and sustainable bamboo structure, the retreat offers a serene space for meditation while fostering a deep connection to the surrounding Cambodian landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The hut is designed with a hexagonal layout to enhance views and create intimate spaces.
02
Petal-shaped window shutters allow adaptive responses to weather conditions.
03
Bamboo is the primary material, sourced locally for sustainability.
04
The elevated mezzanine provides a focused area specifically for meditation.
05
The surrounding terrace integrates outdoor space for reflection and interaction.

The Lotus Hut is located in the peaceful landscapes of Cambodia, designed as a retreat for meditation and personal reflection. It draws inspiration from the lotus flower, a symbol of purification and enlightenment, establishing a deep connection with the surrounding nature. The design emphasizes a balance between openness and privacy, creating an environment that encourages introspection and mindfulness.

Structure and Form

The hut features a hexagonal layout that offers wide views of the natural surroundings while maintaining cozy, intimate spaces within. This geometric design promotes a visual and experiential relationship with the landscape, inviting occupants to engage with their environment. The raised mezzanine serves as the main area for meditation, giving users a sense of elevation and separation from the ground.

Interaction with Nature

A notable aspect is the petal-shaped window shutters, which allow users to control their connection to the outside. These shutters can be opened or closed to adapt to changing weather conditions, providing natural ventilation and comfort. The design reflects the natural characteristics of the lotus, encouraging a dialogue between the occupants and their environment.

Material Selection

Bamboo is the main material used in the construction, chosen for its rapid growth and sustainable qualities. This selection supports the aim of reducing environmental impact. The framework includes bent bamboo poles that offer structural support while also enhancing the natural feel of the hut. Woven bamboo mats envelop the structure, further linking it to the landscape and promoting a cohesive aesthetic.

Functional Layout

The ground floor contains essential spaces needed for daily living, such as a bathroom connected to local utilities, storage, and areas for communal dining. Surrounding the hut is a terrace, providing additional space for contemplation and interaction with nature. This layout helps blur the lines between indoor and outdoor experiences, allowing users to fully immerse themselves in the tranquil setting.

Every aspect of the design reflects careful thought and consideration, with each element playing a role in the overall harmony of the hut within its natural environment. The result is a space where occupants can find peace and connection amid Cambodia's beautiful landscape.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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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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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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