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

Authors:
Norberth Aristizabal Marin, Santiago Chitan Vinasco, Juan Esteban Meneses Portillo
Bamboo-Frame Structure Nestled Within Rainforest Canopy Featuring Natural Thatch Roofing and Sustainable Design

Project in-detail

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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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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