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Bamboo Structures and Eco-Bricks Transforming Riverfront Living in Jakarta
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Utilizing bamboo and eco-bricks, the sustainable living units along Jakarta's riverside integrate community-driven design with ecological restoration to provide resilient housing solutions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Micro-Forest Dwelling Units utilize locally sourced bamboo for structural support and aesthetics.
02
The design integrates a greywater recycling system to promote sustainable water management.
03
Community gardens are incorporated to enhance local biodiversity and food security.
04
A modular configuration allows residents to adapt spaces according to their needs.
05
Biogas systems provide renewable energy for households, reducing reliance on external resources.

### Project Overview

Located along the Elinggaw River in Jakarta, Indonesia, the initiative aims to restore river ecosystems through the development of Micro-Forest Dwelling Units (MFDUs) within impoverished riverside settlements. The project addresses the socio-economic and environmental challenges that these communities face by enhancing living conditions, conserving vulnerable natural habitats, and fostering community participation in both ecological restoration and urban development.

### Design Philosophy

The design integrates human habitation with ecological preservation and community wellbeing. A central tenet is **Restoration over Relocation**, promoting sustainable interventions within existing settlements rather than displacing vulnerable populations. The strategy prioritizes **Community-Driven Solutions**, ensuring local involvement in the decision-making process, which fosters a sense of ownership and environmental stewardship. In addition, the design includes a commitment to **Biodiversity Restoration**, encouraging the development of healthy ecosystems that filter water, enhance biodiversity, and provide resources for local residents.

### Material and System Integration

The project employs environmentally friendly materials that resonate with local culture. Bamboo serves as a primary construction material due to its sustainability and local availability, while recycled wood is chosen for its durability. Eco-bricks, made from repurposed materials, enhance thermal insulation and reduce carbon emissions, and metal frameworks provide structural support with minimal environmental disruption.

Sustainable systems integrated into the design include biogas, septic tanks, and greywater recycling for resource recovery and efficient water management. A rainwater collection system is also incorporated, reducing dependence on municipal water supply.

The design emphasizes flexibility and adaptability; the interiors feature modular components and multi-functional furniture that meet the evolving needs of residents. Integrated green infrastructures, such as permaculture gardens and biodiversity zones, support local food systems. Additionally, a micro-hydropower system supplies clean energy, contributing to the project's resilience and self-sufficiency.

### Environmental Context

Incorporating environmental considerations, the design establishes riparian buffers along waterways that filter runoff and replicate natural environmental processes. Biodiversity gardens are created to attract native wildlife and promote community gardening, enhancing local food security.

The visual representations of the project include detailed site plans, 3D renderings, and elevation drawings. These documents illustrate the thoughtful arrangement of communal and private spaces, ensuring both collective engagement and personal privacy. The integration of natural light and ventilation is achieved through strategically placed windows and the use of natural materials, underscoring the harmonious blend of built and natural environments.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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