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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

Project in-detail

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
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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
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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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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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