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Nature-Integrated Retreat Featuring Local Bamboo and Polycarbonate Elements

Author:
Hanamura Hiroko
Nature-Integrated Retreat Featuring Local Bamboo and Polycarbonate Elements
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The circular layout harmonizes local bamboo and polycarbonate elements to create a serene retreat that encourages meditation and mindfulness in a natural setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates an outdoor corridor, enhancing the transition between spaces.
02
The meditation room features an expandable terrace for direct nature access.
03
Local bamboo is the primary structural element, emphasizing sustainability.
04
Polycarbonate walls provide natural light while creating a warm ambiance at night.
05
The circular layout promotes a sense of tranquility and introspection.

Hako Hut is situated in the tranquil landscape of the Vine Retreat in Cambodia. The design focuses on creating a peaceful environment that encourages self-reflection and a connection to nature. Its circular shape enhances the flow between different areas like the bedroom, meditation/yoga room, and bath space, all of which are arranged thoughtfully around an outdoor corridor.

Design Layout

The circular arrangement of Hako Hut allows for easy movement between various functional areas. Each room is designed to offer privacy and focus, essential for activities such as meditation and yoga. The outdoor corridor connects the spaces, making transitions smooth and effortless. This organization fosters a calm atmosphere, which is vital for personal reflection and engagement with the surrounding landscape.

Integration with Nature

Hako Hut features a strong connection to the natural environment. The meditation/yoga room opens up to an outdoor terrace, providing views and direct access to the peaceful surroundings. This relationship with nature encourages those inside to engage with the landscape, enhancing the experience of the retreat. Such design decisions aim to deepen wellness and awareness for users.

Material Choice

Materials used in Hako Hut highlight a commitment to sustainability and local resources. The primary structure is made from bamboo, a material that blends well with its surroundings while also being strong. A corrugated metal roof provides needed durability and protection against the elements. Polycarbonate walls allow light to enter, creating a warm ambiance, especially at night. This selection of materials balances both function and visual interest.

The design emphasizes details, such as the patterns of light and shadow created by the polycarbonate walls. This interplay enhances the space, making it feel both open and inviting.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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