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Wedge-Shaped Huts with Thatch Roofs Enhancing Meditative Experiences in the Cambodian Forest

Authors:
Miho Takahashi, Ryo Murata, Minato Hashimoto
Wedge-Shaped Huts with Thatch Roofs Enhancing Meditative Experiences in the Cambodian Forest

Project in-detail

Elevated wooden cabins topped with thatch roofs create a serene environment for meditation amidst the Cambodian forest, offering a unique retreat experience that harmonizes with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Wedge-shaped design enhances spatial flow between public and private areas.
02
Elevated structures prevent flooding while maintaining a connection to nature.
03
Thatch roofs provide lightweight cover, reflecting traditional architectural methods.
04
Meditation spaces incorporate large openings for unobstructed forest views.
05
Floating yoga areas with hammocks encourage movement and interaction with surroundings.

The Vine Retreat Hideout Huts are located in the forests of Cambodia, offering a peaceful place for meditation and wellness. These wedge-shaped structures are designed to strengthen the connection between people and their natural surroundings. The design draws from traditional Cambodian architecture, adapting its elements to meet the needs of modern living while creating a sense of harmony between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Architecture Concept

The layout of the Hideout Huts is carefully organized. It guides guests from shared communal areas into private, quieter spaces. This arrangement allows individuals to choose their experience of solitude amidst nature. Each hut contains designated areas for meditation, featuring elevated wood cabins set among greenery and shaded spots that provide calm retreats beneath the main structures.

Materials and Structure

Key materials play an important role in the design. Thatch is used in the membrane roof, giving a lightweight cover that reflects the qualities of traditional homes. The huts are capped with durable lightweight metal roofs, ensuring comfort while maintaining structural support. Bamboo beams and screens promote natural ventilation, while stone walls and wood terraces help unify the design with the environment.

Transitional Experience

The design emphasizes transitions as occupants move through spaces that feel both connected and isolated. The entry area offers a glamping option beneath a light membrane roof, creating an inviting experience upon arrival. A path leads into the forest, bordered by stone walls, guiding guests toward floating sleeping cabins that are elevated to avoid flooding.

Interior Design Elements

Inside the Hideout Huts, careful attention has been paid to details that enrich the user experience. Meditation spaces are thoughtfully arranged to promote reflection, with large openings providing views of the surrounding landscape. Earthen floors connect occupants to the earth, adding to a calming atmosphere. Floating yoga spaces are enhanced with hammocks, linking activities inside with the outdoor elements, thus encouraging a full engagement with nature.

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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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