Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Bamboo Modules with Yakusugi Finishes in Sustainable Living Design

Authors:
Edwin alexander Bautista pinzon, Yeimy Hernandez mendoza, Myriam Hernandez mendoza, Hernan Moreno benitez
Bamboo Modules with Yakusugi Finishes in Sustainable Living Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing Guadua bamboo and a Yakusugi finish, this sustainable living solution in the Andes Mountains offers flexible modularity and efficient use of resources for young professionals engaged in agricultural and environmental work.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes Guadua bamboo for strength and sustainability.
02
Features a Yakusugi finish for enhanced durability and pest resistance.
03
Incorporates a rainwater treatment system for potable water.
04
Designed for modular expansion to adapt to user needs.
05
Includes a natural biodigester for efficient waste management.

The Woodpecker home is an architectural proposal located in the Andes Mountains of Colombia, tailored for young professionals engaged in agricultural work and environmental research. The design encourages a strong connection with nature while addressing the diverse needs of its residents. It emphasizes flexibility and sustainability, allowing the space to adapt as the users' requirements change.

Modular Design

The concept centers around a series of independent modules that can be customized and expanded. Each module contains designated areas for storage, rest, work, and essential services such as a kitchen, bathroom, and toilet. This practical layout makes efficient use of space and is designed with inclusivity in mind, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can navigate comfortably.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is an essential aspect of the Woodpecker home. The design incorporates solar panels which generate renewable energy for electronic devices, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources. Additionally, a rainwater treatment system collects and purifies rainwater, providing a sustainable drinking water supply for residents.

Materials and Construction

Materials used in the design include Guadua, a type of bamboo, and wood sourced from sustainable forests. These materials are chosen for their strength and their minimal impact on the environment. The exterior of the home features a coating developed using the Yakisugi method. This traditional technique carbonizes the surface of the wood, enhancing its durability by protecting it from pests and moisture. The result is a structure that is both functional and visually appealing.

Environmental Integration

The design includes roof and window configurations that enhance ventilation and light entry. These features promote energy efficiency and comfort throughout the varying climates of the Andes region. Two distinct floor plans offer flexibility for different living situations, while water-efficient sanitary fixtures contribute to a broader commitment to sustainability.

The overall design reflects a thoughtful relationship between the living spaces and the surrounding natural environment. Each detail works in harmony to create a functional and sustainable home for its inhabitants.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy