Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Bamboo and Earthwool Structures Embracing Natural Light for Sustainable Living

Authors:
Mariandjela Zdravkovska, Emilija Cvetkova
Bamboo and Earthwool Structures Embracing Natural Light for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with bamboo and earthwool, the residence achieves optimal energy efficiency through natural ventilation and abundant daylight, while seamlessly blending with its environment to provide a sustainable living experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using bamboo, the structure enhances sustainability through rapid renewability.
02
Earthwool insulation contributes to high thermal performance and energy efficiency.
03
A bent A-frame design maximizes structural integrity while creating dynamic interior spaces.
04
Rainwater harvesting systems promote responsible water management for the residence.
05
Cross-ventilation is facilitated by strategically placed openings, optimizing airflow throughout.

## Project Overview
The architectural design is situated in a natural environment, likely near water bodies, which informs its overall concept and execution. The intent is to create a cohesive living environment that integrates the four classical elements—earth, water, fire, and air—within its structure. This design approach emphasizes sustainability while fostering a genuine connection with nature, allowing residents to engage in a sensory experience that enriches their daily lives.

## Material and Structural Composition
The project employs a diverse palette of sustainable materials, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Bamboo wood is utilized for its renewability and warmth, while stone contributes to the earth element with its permanence. Concrete provides structural integrity, and Earthwool insulation enhances thermal performance, ensuring comfortable internal climates. Additionally, reformed stone maintains local aesthetics, and Kingspan products such as Trodlekt® v-line ceilings and Solatube Tubular Skylights optimize energy efficiency and natural lighting.

The architectural form features two interconnected volumes designed to maximize natural light and ventilation. The strategic orientation and placement of windows, skylights, and openings facilitate airflow and illumination throughout the space. The interior layout is divided into designated functional zones, including a spacious living area that connects visually to the outdoors, an efficient kitchen promoting social interaction, private bedrooms with natural light access, a sustainable bathroom, and multifunctional spaces adaptable to various needs.

## Environmental Considerations
The design integrates key environmental strategies to enhance the relationship between the building and its landscape. Rainwater harvesting systems provide a sustainable approach to water management, while strategically positioned openings allow for effective cross-ventilation, improving air quality. The layout is oriented to optimize solar gain during colder months and reduce heat in the summer, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of passive environmental design principles.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy