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Bamboo Structures and Two-Wheel Flexibility in Sustainable Urban Housing

Author:
Quoc huy Trinh
Bamboo Structures and Two-Wheel Flexibility in Sustainable Urban Housing

Project in-detail

Utilizing a unique two-wheel and rail system alongside bamboo structures, the design creates flexible living spaces that enhance sustainability and promote community interaction in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flexible living spaces can be easily rearranged using a two-wheel and rail system.
02
The project incorporates bamboo as a primary structural element for sustainability.
03
Rooftop solar panels provide electricity and enable water purification.
04
Modular design addresses multiple functions within a compact footprint.
05
Tanks for black and gray water complement resource management strategies.

ECO WHEEL is an architectural solution designed for low-income residents living near a polluted river in Ho Chi Minh City. It focuses on adaptability and sustainability, addressing the needs of its users throughout the day. The design promotes multiple functions within a compact space, encouraging both private and communal interactions.

Flexible Space Organization

The design features a two-wheel and rail system integrated into the floor. This innovation allows residents to rearrange their living spaces easily, adjusting them for work, relaxation, or social gatherings. This flexibility caters to the lifestyle of urban dwellers, enabling them to create an environment that suits their changing needs while also maintaining privacy.

Modular Components

Three main modules define the layout: the Entertainment-Work Module, the Sleep Module, and the Kitchen-Living Module. The Entertainment-Work Module is equipped with a study table, bookshelf, projection screen, and storage chair. It is a space for both productivity and leisure. The Sleep Module provides a private area with a bed and wardrobe. The Kitchen-Living Module combines cooking and dining areas, featuring appliances like a sink and refrigerator, alongside space for social interaction.

Sustainability Features

ECO WHEEL incorporates a rooftop solar power system to supply electricity. It also purifies rainwater and gray water, tackling challenges of energy and water management. This thoughtful integration demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, aiming to improve living conditions in an urban setting.

Material Choices

The design utilizes wood beams and bamboo structures, reflecting the local context and an emphasis on sustainability. Bamboo is a strong and renewable material well-suited for the environment. The inclusion of tanks for black and gray water, as well as potable water, portrays a thorough approach to managing resources.

ECO WHEEL stands as a response to the environmental and social challenges of its location. By combining adaptable spaces with sustainable strategies, it addresses urban living needs. The design supports a productive and balanced lifestyle for its residents while reflecting contemporary architectural practices.

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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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