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Stone Walls and Thatched Roofs Creating Tranquil Retreat Spaces

Author:
Felipe Apestegui
Stone Walls and Thatched Roofs Creating Tranquil Retreat Spaces

Project in-detail

Constructed with stone walls and thatched roofs, the design integrates passive climatization techniques to create a sustainable retreat that encourages a deep connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced stone masonry and thatched roofs.
02
Employs passive climatization strategies for enhanced energy efficiency.
03
Floating foundation minimizes impact on the site's natural topsoil.
04
Private meditation decks for individual reflection and tranquility.
05
Arrangement allows adaptability to varying topographic conditions.

Serenity Huts is a new addition to Cambodia’s eco-tourism scene, designed to connect visitors with the surrounding landscape and local culture. The project showcases a blend of traditional Khmer architecture with modern design principles, creating a space that feels familiar yet inviting. It focuses on enhancing the guest experience in an environment that encourages a return to nature and community.

SUSTAINABILITY AND PERFORMANCE

The design prioritizes sustainability by adhering to three key principles: sustainability and performance, user experience, and context integration. These principles ensure the project respects and enhances the local environment. Strategies such as cross ventilation and shading from surrounding vegetation are incorporated to promote comfort while reducing energy use. The careful orientation of buildings helps to harness natural light and airflow, creating pleasant living conditions for guests.



MATERIALITY AND STRUCTURE

Materials play a vital role in the project, emphasizing both durability and cultural significance. The construction features stone masonry walls, thatched roofs, and wooden decks, reflecting the architectural traditions of the region. Stone walls provide thermal mass, keeping interiors comfortable in different weather conditions. Thatched roofs act as effective insulation, while wooden decks create a smooth transition between indoor spaces and the natural surroundings. This thoughtful choice of materials strengthens the project’s connection to its context.



SPATIAL ORGANIZATION

The arrangement of the huts allows for flexibility across various landscapes. Each hut is positioned to offer unobstructed views while providing privacy. Common areas are located at entrances, promoting interaction among guests, while secluded spaces—such as meditation decks—encourage personal reflection. This design carefully balances community and solitude, ensuring both social connectivity and individual relaxation.



DESIGN DETAILS

Attention to design details enhances the overall experience within Serenity Huts. Pitched roofs echo traditional Khmer styles, reinforcing a local identity while supporting the natural ventilation system. The foundation techniques elevate the huts, minimizing site disruption and allowing local ecosystems to flourish. This careful approach highlights a commitment to blending architecture with nature, resulting in a harmonious relationship between built spaces and their natural environment.

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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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