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A Community-Centered Microhome Cluster with Shared Living Spaces

Authors:
Francisca Mejia, Sofia Gomez, Hsuan-jen Hou
A Community-Centered Microhome Cluster with Shared Living Spaces
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With bamboo canopies and integrated aquaponics systems, the microhomes on Siargao Island offer a sustainable solution for community living that prioritizes both ecological resilience and social connectivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Bamboo canopies enhance natural ventilation and light in the homes.
02
Aquaponics systems support food production within the community.
03
Cantilevered designs create unique outdoor communal spaces.
04
Locally sourced materials reduce environmental impact and support the economy.
05
Transformable spaces adapt to the diverse needs of residents.

Located on Siargao Island in the Philippines, the microhome proposal seeks to respond to the challenges faced by those exiting urban areas. It creates a living environment that emphasizes community and connection with nature. The design includes a series of interconnected homes that focus on shared spaces for social interaction. By integrating sustainable practices, the microhomes aim to provide a balanced lifestyle for residents, appealing to those looking for refuge from city life.

Community Integration
The idea promotes a strong sense of community by clustering the microhomes together. This layout encourages residents to interact and form bonds, fostering a deeper connection among neighbors. Communal areas function as gathering spots, where individuals can come together to share experiences. The arrangement supports a lifestyle that values both privacy and togetherness, allowing residents to enjoy their personal spaces while being part of a vibrant community.

Sustainability Practices
Each home incorporates off-grid solar power, allowing residents to harness renewable energy and reduce reliance on external sources. Additionally, aquaponics systems are integrated, enabling residents to grow their own food sustainably. These initiatives highlight the project’s commitment to creating a community that cares for the environment while meeting the basic needs of its residents.

Material Use
Materials play an important role in the overall design. The project utilizes locally sourced resources, including bamboo, sawali, nipa, and concrete. These choices reflect traditional Filipino building methods while ensuring durability and functionality. The use of local materials reduces the environmental impact and helps the homes blend into the natural landscape, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing and culturally relevant design.

Design Features
The upper floor of each microhome features a cantilevered design that extends outward to enhance community interaction. It invites plenty of natural light and fresh air, creating comfortable living spaces. The interiors are arranged with flexibility in mind, including kitchens and bathrooms that cater to various lifestyle needs throughout the day. Large openings connect the living spaces with outdoor areas, encouraging residents to appreciate their surroundings.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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