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Bamboo Construction with Geo-Green Crete for Flexible Urban Living

Authors:
Sofía daniela Ibarra castro, Nilda lizeth Ventura gómez, Lilián lisset Badillo guzmán
Bamboo Construction with Geo-Green Crete for Flexible Urban Living

Project in-detail

Constructed using bamboo and Geo-Green crete, the design offers a modular approach to urban living that promotes flexibility and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with bamboo rods treated with Borax for enhanced durability.
02
Utilizes Geo-Green crete, eliminating Portland-based cement for sustainability.
03
Modular design allows for flexible adaptations to resident needs.
04
Incorporates a bench-like staircase that fosters social interaction.
05
Features integrated green spaces for ecological benefits and aesthetic appeal.

The "Living Stairs" project is located in an urban area of Melbourne, designed to fulfill the needs of modern residents. It focuses on modular housing that offers flexibility and personalization. Each living space can be adjusted based on the preferences of its occupants. The design resembles the shape of stairs, promoting a growth pattern that extends both in width and height. It brings together shared and private spaces to create a cohesive living environment.

Material Selection

Bamboo is used prominently in the walls of the first floor. The bamboo rods measure 14-16 cm in diameter and are treated with 1.5% Borax solution for added strength. This material choice is significant because it provides durability while supporting sustainable building practices. Bamboo is lightweight and renews quickly, making it a responsible choice for construction.



On the upper levels, Geo-Green crete blocks are used. These blocks do not contain Portland-based cement and are made from post-industrial waste along with aluminosilicate materials. This approach reduces the environmental impact of the building and ensures that it is structurally sound. Utilizing Eco-Green crete highlights a forward-thinking method in environmentally friendly architecture.



Modular Configurations

Module 1 features a compact design that serves multiple purposes within a space of 37 m². It includes a kitchen, a living room, a bedroom, and a bathroom, all laid out to maximize utility. A notable aspect of this module is the staircase designed to look like benches. This feature encourages social interaction and connects the module to the street, while also incorporating greenery that enhances the overall appeal.



Module 2 builds on the concept with a two-story living area that offers flexible arrangements. Residents can configure it for social spaces on the first floor and private areas above or choose the opposite layout. This versatility caters to different lifestyles, allowing a community feel while still providing personal space.



The overall design invites engagement between residents and their environment. The stair-like shape encourages movement and connection, supported by integrated green spaces that enrich the living experience. Each element contributes to an urban setting that balances community and privacy effectively.

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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

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