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Bamboo Structure with Off-Grid Solar Power and Sustainable Water Collection

Authors:
Sara Gomez perez, Lucrezia Lora moretto
Bamboo Structure with Off-Grid Solar Power and Sustainable Water Collection

Project in-detail

Constructed from bamboo and designed for off-grid living, the structure employs solar panels and a rainwater collection system to provide sustainable housing solutions for urban residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily with bamboo for sustainability.
02
Operates completely off-grid with solar energy.
03
Features an integrated rainwater collection system.
04
Can function as a standalone unit or community hub.
05
Utilizes wood fiber insulation for enhanced thermal performance.

The Hive is located in urban areas where the cost of housing is too high for many young people. It aims to provide affordable living spaces without the heavy financial burden that often accompanies homeownership. The design focuses on sustainability, seeking to reduce environmental impact while maintaining practical functionality in a compact urban setting.

Sustainable Design

At the core of The Hive is its off-grid capability, which helps it operate independently. The building uses solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity, supplying power for daily use. Additionally, it incorporates a rainwater collection system that gathers and stores water. This approach not only supports a sustainable lifestyle but also increases the building's resilience in an urban environment.

Community Integration

Flexibility is a key feature of The Hive. It can function as a single unit or as part of a larger community. This adaptability makes it ideal for vacant lots in cities, where additional housing is often needed. By integrating with existing neighborhoods, The Hive helps foster a sense of community and maximizes land use in densely populated areas.

Material Utilization

Material choices play an important role in The Hive's sustainability goals. The project includes a mix of materials that reflect an emphasis on resource efficiency. The use of 2 cm bamboo and 2 cm wood fiber insulation highlights a commitment to renewable resources. Structural integrity is provided by 1 cm OSB panels, while thermal performance is enhanced with a 3 mm vapor barrier and 8 cm wood fiber insulation.

Every detail of The Hive contributes to its overall purpose, combining function with natural materials. The thoughtful design results in a space that is both practical and welcoming.

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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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