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Bamboo-Infused Design Featuring Natural Stone Accents in a Flexible Family Home

Authors:
Jose Vicente Paz Gonzalez, Rene Daniel Pirela Sojo, Mireya Sojo De Pirela, Rene Pirela Gonzalez
Bamboo-Infused Design Featuring Natural Stone Accents in a Flexible Family Home

Project in-detail

Constructed with bamboo and natural stone, this flexible family home integrates rainwater harvesting and cross-ventilation techniques to thrive in a desert environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily with bamboo, providing a sustainable and locally-sourced material.
02
Features a natural stone facade that blends with the surrounding desert landscape.
03
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system designed for efficient water management.
04
Utilizes cross-ventilation strategies to enhance indoor air quality and comfort.
05
Designed with flexible living spaces that adapt to the needs of the family over time.

## Project Overview
Located in a desert environment, the design combines modern aesthetics with environmental sustainability principles, emphasizing resource efficiency and spatial quality. The intent is to create a living space that reflects contemporary lifestyles while connecting with the cultural heritage of the region. This dual rectangular volumetric structure is intended to facilitate varied spatial interactions and optimize natural ventilation.

### Spatial Interaction and Adaptability
The design prioritizes flexibility within the living spaces, allowing for adaptation to the evolving needs of the inhabitants. Shared areas are strategically placed to encourage community interaction, aligning with the family-oriented layout. The elevation and facade design incorporate dual levels, enhancing thermal regulation and visual transparency. Indoor gardens are integrated, contributing to air purity and creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor environments.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
A variety of materials have been selected for their aesthetic and functional qualities, reinforcing the project’s commitment to sustainability. Reinforced concrete provides structural integrity, while glass enhances natural light and connectivity with the outdoors. Aluminum panels offer durability and a lightweight facade, and clay bricks maintain a link to historical vernacular architecture. Additionally, bamboo introduces warmth and texture, and natural stone elements are utilized for both structural and decorative purposes.

Innovations such as a rainwater harvesting system, sacrificial anode technology for corrosion protection, and lightweight concrete systems enhance the project's environmental responsibility. Solar panels are incorporated to reduce energy consumption, complemented by an advanced home automation system to improve occupant comfort and safety.

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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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