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Bamboo Habitat Integration with Permeable Green Spaces

Authors:
Guðrún sara Gudmundsdottir, Johanna Toumieux
Bamboo Habitat Integration with Permeable Green Spaces

Project in-detail

Incorporating 30,000 bamboo units into its façade, the design creates a unique habitat that fosters local biodiversity while providing integrated living spaces for the community.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates 30,000 bamboo units to create habitats for local wildlife.
02
Features permeable landscapes that allow native species to roam freely.
03
Contains mid-rise structures connected by elevated public spaces.
04
Includes a second skin design promoting ecological colonization.
05
Emphasizes community interaction through multifunctional shared areas.

The Bio Haven project is located in Auckland's Wynyard Quarter, a waterfront area experiencing significant redevelopment. The focus is on integrating urban living with nature, aiming to create spaces where both people and local wildlife can thrive. The design concept promotes bio-density, allowing for a blend of different species alongside human habitation.

Architecture Concept
The design emphasizes the importance of creating environments that support a range of life forms. It features three mid-rise buildings connected by public spaces on two levels. This layout encourages accessibility and community interaction, fostering a sense of belonging. Climate-conscious elements are woven throughout the project, creating areas where nature and urban life coexist.

Biodiversity Integration
A notable feature of the design is the inclusion of wildlife habitats integrated into the building's façade. Approximately 30,000 bamboo units are provided to create nesting sites for birds and insects. This design choice helps combat the effects of urban development on local wildlife. The bamboo not only enhances the visual appeal of the buildings but also supports biodiversity in the area, offering safe spaces for various species to thrive.

Permeable Surroundings
The landscape around the structures plays a crucial role in the overall design. Planted permeable ground allows local wildlife, such as kiwis and wetas, to move freely in their natural habitat. Elevated pathways for pedestrians keep human activities separate from wildlife areas, reducing disruption. This thoughtful design promotes the interaction of urban living and local ecosystems, highlighting the project's ecological focus.

Incorporating Local Functionality
Shared areas within the project cater to both community needs and environmental preservation. These spaces encourage people to come together and engage with each other while also serving as habitats for wildlife. By offering multifunctional environments, the project promotes a lifestyle that values both social connection and ecological responsibility, reflecting a balanced approach to urban living.

The complex design features of the building, along with its natural elements, create a unique environment that supports both human life and local ecosystems. The emphasis on sustainability and community is evident, making it a relevant example of how urban spaces can adapt to support nature alongside human activities.

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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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