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Bamboo Shelter With Adjustable Roof for Tropical Research

Author:
Jo yee Ng
Bamboo Shelter With Adjustable Roof for Tropical Research

Project in-detail

Crafted from bamboo and designed with an adjustable roof for optimal ventilation, the shelter serves as a portable home for researchers in the tropical rainforest.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted entirely from locally sourced bamboo.
02
Features a roof that opens and closes for ventilation.
03
Designed to be dismantled and repurposed easily.
04
Includes systems for rainwater harvesting.
05
Optimized for quick assembly in remote locations.

The OOBMAB offers a solution for temporary living in the Malaysian rainforest. Designed for researcher couples who require shelter while conducting fieldwork, the structure focuses on mobility and adaptability within a tropical setting. The architecture connects with local materials and environmental considerations, creating a functional space in harmony with nature.

Design and Structure

Bamboo serves as the main material for the OOBMAB. This resource is both sustainable and cost-effective. Bamboo grows quickly, allowing it to be harvested in 5-7 years, which is significantly shorter than the time required for traditional timber. The material also possesses a strength that is 3-4 times greater than that of steel when compared by weight. This ensures that the design is not only environmentally friendly but also structurally sound.

Adaptive Features

The OOBMAB emphasizes ease of assembly and disassembly. Researchers can quickly set up their shelter in new locations as needed. Traditional lashing techniques using string allow for straightforward construction, requiring only minimal tools. One unique aspect of the design is the roof system. It can open and close, functioning like a blind. This feature supports ventilation and natural light while allowing access to the shelter. Such design elements draw occupants into a closer relationship with their surroundings.

Sustainability and Lifecycle

Sustainability is an essential focus of the OOBMAB. It is designed to have a low carbon footprint, using biodegradable and reusable materials. Once the structure is no longer needed, it can be taken apart, and the bamboo can be repurposed, reducing waste. Additional features, such as adjustable foundation heights and rainwater collection systems, increase the shelter's ecological efficiency. Solar panels provide energy, ensuring the shelter can function autonomously in remote locations.

Functional Considerations

The design aims to meet the practical needs of its users by combining comfort with utility. Adjustable foundation heights cater to the varying terrain of the forest, ensuring stability and ease of use. Each aspect of the structure contributes to a positive living experience for its occupants. Natural light floods the interior through the adjustable roof, connecting the indoor space with the vibrant forest outside.

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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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