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Responsive Form and Fluid Layout in Modern Indigenous Shelter

Author:
Samuel Eckerson
Responsive Form and Fluid Layout in Modern Indigenous Shelter

Project in-detail

Constructed using responsive form generation techniques, the design features fluid interior spaces that adapt to environmental conditions, providing a practical and culturally relevant shelter for modern living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Responsive design allows the structure to adapt to surrounding trees and weather conditions.
02
Fluid interior spaces enhance functional flexibility for residents' daily activities.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide strength while maintaining a lightweight form.
04
Charred wooden shingles offer enhanced weather resistance and a unique aesthetic.
05
The layout prioritizes essential living areas, including dedicated food storage and sleeping spaces.

The design merges indigenous structures with the needs of modern living, situated within the vibrant cultural context of Cambodia. The approach emphasizes the importance of remembering cultural identity while adapting traditional architectural forms for contemporary habitation. The overall design revolves around creating functional living spaces that resonate with users, encouraging a strong connection to the local environment.

Design Concept
The project highlights the relationship between traditional building practices and the experiences sought by today's individuals. It acknowledges that indigenous architecture holds valuable lessons for contemporary structures, allowing for a thoughtful dialogue between heritage and modernity. By incorporating these techniques, the design aims to offer unique homes that provide comfort and a sense of belonging.

Responsive Form Generation
Using advanced design tools, particularly Grasshopper, the creation of the prototype hut’s form is informed by site-specific conditions. This technology enables the architecture to adapt, responding to various environmental factors. The result is a design that interacts naturally with its surroundings, making each instance unique and responsive to its context.

Functional Layout
The arrangement of spaces addresses essential living needs, with a focus on areas dedicated to food storage and sleeping. The layout encourages flexibility, allowing residents to modify the interior based on their daily activities. This functional aspect enhances the user experience while maintaining an efficient use of space.

Sustainability and Weather Resistance
Strategies for improving weather resistance are key elements in the design, tackling the challenges of the local climate. By incorporating modern construction techniques, the approach ensures comfort while aligning with sustainable principles. This reflects a commitment to both environmental awareness and cultural preservation in building practices.

With a design that combines practicality and cultural significance, the result is an architectural solution that enhances everyday life. The adaptable interior spaces invite interaction and reflection, offering inhabitants a meaningful experience within the hut.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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