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Thatched Retreat Surrounded by Nature with Flexible Pebble Floors

Authors:
Franz Oberschmid, Christopher Günther, Frederik Fandel
Thatched Retreat Surrounded by Nature with Flexible Pebble Floors

Project in-detail

Constructed with a thatched roof and flexible pebble floors, the retreat integrates seamlessly with the Cambodian lowlands, offering a multifunctional space for community engagement and environmental education.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a thatched roof for natural insulation.
02
Incorporates mosquito protection tailored for the local climate.
03
Flexible pebble floors enhance durability and natural aesthetics.
04
Designed to be repositioned easily in various natural contexts.
05
Fosters community engagement and environmental education initiatives.

The tent+ project offers a functional space situated in the lowlands of Cambodia, a region well known for its pepper cultivation. Designed for multiple uses, it serves as a shelter and a community space for interaction and education about the environment. The overall concept focuses on simplicity and adaptability, enabling the structure to relate to its natural surroundings while addressing issues facing both local and global ecosystems.

Architecture Concept

The design is based on the idea that small, locally generated efforts can lead to significant changes in environmental awareness. By comparing these efforts to drops of water creating an ocean, the project underscores the impact of incremental actions. The tent+ encourages users to rethink their connection to nature, providing a setting that supports reflection and engagement.

Design Adaptability

Flexible usage defines the structure’s design. It can function as a private retreat, a place for communal gatherings, or an educational site for ecological matters. This versatility enhances the user experience, enabling individuals and groups to interact with the space in various ways. The lightweight nature of the design makes it easy to move, fostering exploration of different environmental contexts.

Materiality

Materials chosen for tent+ include a thatched roof, which serves as insulation and offers protection from the weather while blending well with the landscape. Mosquito protection enhances comfort for users, addressing the needs of the local climate. Pebble stones are used for flooring, adding a robust appearance that complements the environment, while rough plank floors add authenticity and durability to the overall design.

Connection to Nature

The design emphasizes a strong link to the natural environment. With thoughtful integration into the landscape, it allows users to experience the beauty of the site and its ecological significance. The architecture fosters a sense of connection and facilitates engagement with both nature and community, creating a space that invites people to reflect and interact.

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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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