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Bamboo Canopies and Aquaponics in Integrated Community Microhomes

Authors:
Francisca Mejia, Sofia Gomez, Hsuan-jen Hou
Bamboo Canopies and Aquaponics in Integrated Community Microhomes

Project in-detail

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 project 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 design 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
Sustainability is at the core of the design approach. 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. This design 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. The design seamlessly incorporates nature into everyday life, emphasizing the importance of the natural environment in the living experience.

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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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