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Bamboo Chimes and Sustainable Rainwater Solutions Enrich Community Pavilion

Authors:
Brendan Kelly, Sadie Imae
Bamboo Chimes and Sustainable Rainwater Solutions Enrich Community Pavilion

Project in-detail

Suspended bamboo rods create a unique soundscape in a community pavilion that integrates rainwater collection and native landscaping, fostering an interactive space for chamber music performances.
5 key facts about this project
01
Suspended bamboo rods act as wind chimes, creating an interactive auditory experience.
02
Rainwater collection is integrated into the design, promoting environmental sustainability.
03
The landscape features pathways made of stone, enhancing exploration of native plant growth.
04
Graywater is managed through bioswales, reducing flooding risk and supporting local ecology.
05
The pavilion's design encourages community engagement through informal musical gatherings.

The Dinner Chime project serves as an engaging blend of sound and nature that encourages interaction. Located in a peaceful setting, the pavilion acts as a gathering space for chamber music, providing an experience that combines sensory enjoyment with community connection. The design revolves around suspended bamboo rods that function as wind chimes, creating an inviting atmosphere for musical performances and audience participation.

Musical Interaction

The layout emphasizes engagement with both sound and environment. Visitors can strike the bamboo chimes with sticks, giving them the opportunity to create music themselves. This hands-on experience fosters a playful spirit among guests, turning the pavilion into an informal outdoor living room where friends and families can come together through the joy of music.

Sustainability Features

Rainwater collection is a key sustainable element in the design. The roof directs rain to a drain that allows for reuse, such as rinsing dishes or washing hands. Graywater is carefully managed, entering the surrounding landscape through bioswales to help control flooding and promote ecological health. This thoughtful approach underscores the project's commitment to environmental responsibility.

Landscaping and Biodiversity

The landscape surrounding the pavilion invites exploration and supports biodiversity. Stone pathways wind through areas filled with native plants, encouraging visitors to observe and interact with the local ecosystem. This design not only enhances visual interest but also reinforces a sense of connection with nature, with potential for activities like beekeeping and gardening that promote community involvement.

Materials and Construction

The construction method relies on practical and appealing materials that enhance both function and aesthetics. Cast leveling concrete blocks and stained dimensional lumber form a sturdy base, while stained plywood panels add character. The use of corrugated polycarbonate for the roof maximizes natural light and facilitates effective rainwater collection, reflecting a blend of utility and design.

The rhythmic interplay of sound and form creates a dynamic environment where visitors might feel inspired to engage with both the architecture and the natural surroundings. Each visit offers a chance to create or experience something new, deepening the connection to this unique gathering space.

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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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