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Bamboo Structures and Vertical Gardens Enhance Sustainable Micro Homes for Refugee Communities

Authors:
Szu-yi Wang, Hye-mi Lee, Bartolomeo Peter Beccaria, Zain Kiyani
Bamboo Structures and Vertical Gardens Enhance Sustainable Micro Homes for Refugee Communities

Project in-detail

Constructed with bamboo and reinforced by vertical gardens, these micro homes create a resilient living environment that integrates sustainable practices while addressing the urgent housing needs of displaced communities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes bamboo as the primary structural material, promoting local resources and cultural significance.
02
Incorporates vertical gardens to enhance biodiversity and provide food sources within the housing complex.
03
Features water collection systems integrated into the rooftop designs for sustainable resource management.
04
Emphasizes communal living through interconnected micro homes, fostering social interaction among residents.
05
Designed to facilitate adaptability, allowing for future modifications based on community needs.
The project titled "Tale of Rooting Community" is an architectural design aimed at creating sustainable micro homes for the Rohingya communities in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. It addresses specific needs arising from the humanitarian crisis, focusing on shelter, environmental sustainability, and community engagement. The overarching goal is to provide functional living spaces that foster a sense of belonging while promoting ecological stewardship through reforestation efforts.

Innovative Spatial Relationships

The design includes a series of micro homes arranged to encourage social interaction among residents. Each unit features a functional layout with an emphasis on open spaces that enhance ventilation and natural light. The architectural form consists of sloped roofs and community gardens, creating an environment conducive to both private retreat and collective activities. This orientation not only facilitates communal living but also integrates agricultural practices within the living spaces. The micro homes utilize a combination of local materials, including bamboo and recycled components, which align with traditional construction methods, providing cultural familiarity and structural integrity.

Sustainability and Materiality

Key elements of sustainability are embedded in the project’s framework. The micro homes use Kingspan flat cassette panels for structural support, which are lightweight and insulating, ensuring durability against the local climate. Bamboo plays a dual role, serving as both a primary construction material and an aesthetic enhancement. The design incorporates rooftop gardens and vertical planting systems, promoting biodiversity while enhancing the microclimate. Solar panels are also integrated to optimize energy use and reduce reliance on external resources. The use of local textiles adds not only comfort but also cultural relevance to the interiors, reinforcing a connection to the community's heritage.

Community-Centric Design Approach

What distinguishes this project from other similar efforts is its profound focus on community engagement and environmental resilience. The integration of green spaces within the residential layout encourages residents to participate in reforestation and agricultural activities, fostering a collective responsibility towards the environment. Additionally, the emphasis on adaptable living spaces reflects an understanding of the socio-economic context of the Rohingya people, ensuring that the architecture supports their daily lives while promoting sustainability.

For a deeper understanding of the architectural concepts and the technical proposals behind "Tale of Rooting Community," it is recommended to explore the detailed architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas associated with the project. These elements provide a comprehensive view of the architectural responses to the challenges faced by the community.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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