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Bamboo-Frame Structure Nestled Within Rainforest Canopy Featuring Natural Thatch Roofing and Sustainable Design

Bamboo-Frame Structure Nestled Within Rainforest Canopy Featuring Natural Thatch Roofing and Sustainable Design
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Constructed with locally sourced bamboo and topped with natural thatch, the design seamlessly integrates with the rainforest environment, providing a sustainable micro-house for ecological research and habitation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed entirely from renewable bamboo, the structure minimizes environmental impact.
02
Natural thatch roofing provides effective insulation and seamlessly blends with the forest canopy.
03
The open-plan layout promotes flexibility for both communal activities and research purposes.
04
Designed as a modular system, allowing for easy adaptation and expansion based on user needs.
05
Located in the Amazon Rainforest, it emphasizes a direct connection to the surrounding ecosystem.

### Overview

Located in the Amazon Rainforest at coordinates 8157.47 S, 63.5753 W, the micro-house project “Pollinators” is designed to support researchers and environmentalists engaged in ecological studies and conservation efforts. The intent of the design is to establish a functional and respectful relationship between the structure and its natural surroundings, promoting initiatives aimed at mitigating environmental degradation within this biodiverse region.

### Spatial Strategy and User Engagement

The architectural design features a multi-level layout comprised of three interconnected volumes, termed “NANOnorts,” which allows for an efficient organization of space tailored to diverse activities such as research, living, and communal engagement. The first floor is designated for communal use, featuring a kitchen and dining area that fosters interaction among occupants. The second floor consists of dedicated laboratories and research facilities equipped for studying the rainforest ecosystem. The third floor provides private living quarters that afford tranquil views of the surrounding forest canopy.

### Material Selection and Sustainability Practices

The project employs sustainable materials, with bamboo as a central component due to its rapid growth, lightweight properties, and structural capabilities. This choice contributes to carbon sequestration efforts while aligning with the project's environmental objectives. The roofing utilizes locally sourced thatch for insulation and rain protection, enhancing the building's integration within the forest landscape. Transparent glass panels facilitate a visual connection to the outdoors, and wooden elements add warmth to the interior. Solar panels are incorporated on the roof to provide renewable energy, allowing the dwelling to operate independently. Additionally, biodegradable fibers and other natural materials are used throughout the finishes and furniture, minimizing the ecological footprint of the project while respecting local traditions and practices.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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