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Natural Timber Retreat with Integrated Rainwater Systems

Authors:
Yo-ichiro Hakomori, Katelyn Lentz, Steven Hung
Natural Timber Retreat with Integrated Rainwater Systems
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Cross-laminated timber structures with strategically integrated rainwater collection systems provide sustainable living spaces that immerse occupants in the natural environment while ensuring comfort and functionality.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using cross-laminated timber for structural integrity and sustainability.
02
Interior dowel screens allow for natural vegetation growth and effective sun shading.
03
Integrated rainwater collection systems supply water for irrigation and flushing.
04
Elevated terraces provide unique outdoor relaxation experiences above the forest canopy.
05
Design ensures seamless ventilation while maintaining a strong connection to nature.

The Remote Hideout Huts are located in Cambodia and are designed to provide private accommodations for extended stays. These huts focus on offering comfort and seclusion while blending into the natural surroundings. The design emphasizes sustainability and the connection between indoor living spaces and the great outdoors.

Design Concept
-
The design aims to create intimate environments where guests can feel at one with nature. Each hut has a sleeping area, small kitchen, bathroom, and soaking tub, all providing essential functions for long-term stays. The inclusion of screened sliding louver doors allows fresh air to flow through while maintaining views of the landscape. This integration makes it easy to enjoy both indoor comfort and outdoor beauty.

Material and Construction
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Constructed primarily from cross-laminated timber, the huts achieve structural strength while fitting naturally into their environment. This choice of material aligns with the goals of sustainability, making the design not only functional but also environmentally friendly. By combining off-site pre-fabrication with on-site assembly, builders can ensure quality and efficiency throughout the construction process.

Sustainable Systems
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The huts incorporate various sustainable features to minimize energy use. Solar fabric canopies collect energy, which is stored in batteries for lights and fans. Rainwater is gathered from the second-floor terrace and directed into storage cisterns after filtration. This water is then used for toilets and to irrigate nearby plants. Such systems highlight the commitment to responsible environmental practices.

Outdoor Integration
-
Elevated terraces serve as spaces for relaxation and yoga, allowing guests to connect with nature from above. Ground-level oval terraces extend the space of each hut, encouraging outdoor activities. These areas offer a chance for users to experience the surrounding landscape while enjoying privacy and comfort.

Timber dowel screens inside the huts allow plants to grow, providing both shade and privacy without closing off the interior space. This thoughtful detail enhances the natural feel of the living areas while maintaining a light and open atmosphere.

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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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Competition organisers

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.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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