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Bamboo Frame and Polished Steel Create a Sanctuary Embracing Nature

Author:
Matthew Di paola
Bamboo Frame and Polished Steel Create a Sanctuary Embracing Nature

Project in-detail

Emphasizing a bamboo frame and polished steel exterior, this sanctuary integrates organic shapes with a vertical garden, creating a space for community engagement and sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
A bamboo frame enhances structural integrity while promoting sustainability.
02
Polished stainless steel reflects the surroundings, creating a visual connection to nature.
03
Aeroplantation allows soil-free growth, optimizing space and resource use.
04
Vertical gardens provide edible landscapes, fostering community engagement.
05
The Fabric Hand Shade diffuses sunlight, enhancing comfort throughout the day.

Santuario is an architectural design located in the Portuguese hills. It embodies the idea of sanctuary, focusing on the relationship between built spaces and the natural environment. The design invites users to engage with their surroundings while promoting a sense of calm and connection to nature. The aim is to create meaningful spaces that foster contemplation and interaction.

Architecture and Landscape Integration
The overall design features organic shapes that contrast with traditional city structures. The Exposed and Fabric Hand Structures harmonize with the rolling terrain, allowing the architecture to blend into the landscape. This connection encourages users to experience both the natural and built environments in a cohesive manner. The design emphasizes the importance of coexistence rather than separation.

Sustainable Material Choices
A bamboo frame is used in the construction, providing strength while adhering to sustainable practices. Bamboo grows quickly, making it an eco-friendly choice. The cabin is finished with polished, recycled stainless steel, which reflects the surrounding environment. This choice of materials not only supports sustainability but also enhances the project’s visual appeal by creating a dialogue with nature.

User Experience
The layout is designed to encourage movement and exploration. Visitors are led to the rooftop, which features areas for growing edible plants. This allows individuals to interact with their environment and harvest fresh produce. The design aims to reconnect people with their food sources and inspire a stronger sense of community through shared experiences in nature.

Innovative Agricultural Techniques
An aeroplantation system is integrated into the design, allowing plants to grow without soil. This method reduces the physical load on the structure while ensuring efficient nutrient delivery. It reflects a modern approach to cultivation, highlighting how architectural designs can support ecological practices and promote sustainable living.

The Fabric Hand Shade plays a significant role in enhancing comfort by diffusing sunlight across different areas of the structure. The carefully placed net structure encourages biodiversity by attracting smaller wildlife, creating a rich habitat. This thoughtful design not only fosters a connection to the natural world but also leaves a lasting impression on visitors as they navigate through these spaces.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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MICROHOME
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