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Timber Retreat Embracing Local Flora for Mindful Connection

Authors:
Xintong Chen, Oudom Sou, Kanesha Ramesh, Devid Chheng
Timber Retreat Embracing Local Flora for Mindful Connection

Project in-detail

Timber structures harmonize with local flora, creating a retreat that prioritizes mindfulness and community connection in a thoughtful response to its Cambodian landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Timber construction supports local craftsmanship and sustainability.
02
Flexible spatial arrangements enhance personal and communal experiences.
03
Large openings integrate natural light and outdoor views for occupants.
04
Local plant species are incorporated into the landscaping for privacy.
05
Cross ventilation strategies optimize airflow and reduce energy use.

The DIS/Connected Hut presents a new approach to retreat design, situated in a quiet natural environment. It encourages people to step away from the demands of busy urban life, allowing them to focus on personal reflection and build connections with others. The concept explores the balance between solitude and community through flexible spaces that adapt to the needs and desires of its users.

Spatial Configuration

The layout draws inspiration from traditional Khmer homes, reinterpreting their forms in a way that meets modern needs. Different sections of the hut are arranged thoughtfully, creating a blend of private and communal areas. This arrangement allows visitors to navigate between quiet corners for contemplation and open spaces for social interaction, making the experience feel diverse and dynamic.

Connection to Nature

The design emphasizes a strong relationship with the outside world. Large openings in the structure let natural light and fresh air flow in, making the interior feel more connected to its surroundings. By engaging with nature, occupants are encouraged to appreciate their environment, which enhances their overall retreat experience. The natural setting becomes an integral part of the daily rhythm within the hut.

Landscaping Elements

Landscaping plays an important role in the overall design. Local plants, including Romdoul, Champey, and Sarika flowers, have been carefully chosen to enhance the scenery. This greenery helps create a sense of privacy while still allowing for connection among visitors. The way the landscape is arranged adds to the structure, providing a soothing visual experience that respects the local ecosystem.

Environmental Strategies

Architectural choices have been made to support comfort and sustainability. Cross ventilation allows for fresh air circulation, while vertical openings in the roof support stack ventilation. Features like adjustable louvres help control sunlight and heat, adjusting the interior environment to various weather conditions.

Timber, a common material in Cambodian building practices, reinforces the cultural significance of the design. Its use grounds the hut in the local context, and reflects a focus on sustainability. The combination of these elements creates an inviting retreat atmosphere, encouraging individuals to reconnect with themselves and their surroundings in a meaningful way.

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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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