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 Structures and Eco-Bricks Transforming Riverfront Living in Jakarta

Authors:
Michael Luigi Igloria Manzano, To Chip Roselane Leigh Jade Tecson , Marben Joseph Duray Rabuya, Kylyn Kate Palijado Achas
Bamboo Structures and Eco-Bricks Transforming Riverfront Living in Jakarta

Project in-detail

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.

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