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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

Project in-detail

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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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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