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Carbonized Wood Home with Sustainable Guadua in the Andes

Authors:
Edwin Alexander Bautista Pinzon, Yeimy Hernandez Mendoza, Myriam Hernandez Mendoza, Hernan Moreno Benitez
Carbonized Wood Home with Sustainable Guadua in the Andes
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Built with carbonized wood and Guadua, this sustainable home enhances living in the Andes by offering flexible, accessible spaces that support both agricultural work and remote research.
5 key facts about this project
01
Guadua and carbonized wood enhance durability and sustainability.
02
The modular design allows flexible expansion based on user needs.
03
A biodigester processes waste into organic fertilizer on-site.
04
Rainwater collection systems ensure water access in remote areas.
05
Inclusive design features accommodate individuals with disabilities.

The Woodpecker home is designed for young professionals living in the Andes Mountains of Colombia. It aims to provide a solution for those residing in an area with limited access to public utilities such as water and electricity. The home accommodates various functions, from agricultural work to remote research and relaxation. The design centers on adaptability and modularity, allowing owners to customize their living experience as their needs change.

Modular Design

The structure consists of independent modules that can be easily expanded by adding new sections. This approach allows for flexibility, making it possible for residents to modify their homes over time as requirements evolve. The assembly is quick, as local carpenters and specialists are involved, promoting community contribution and skill sharing during the construction process.

Spatial Organization

Inside, the Woodpecker home features a well-organized layout that includes dedicated areas for storage, resting, working, and essential amenities like bathrooms and kitchens. The design takes accessibility into account, ensuring that people with disabilities can navigate and utilize the space comfortably.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is a significant focus in the design of the Woodpecker home. Solar panels are installed to generate electricity for everyday use, while a rainwater treatment system provides clean water for drinking and cooking. Additionally, a biodigester processes solid waste and converts it into organic fertilizer, promoting waste reduction and environmental responsibility.

Materials and Aesthetics

Guadua/Bamboo and sustainably sourced wood are the primary materials used in the construction. These choices reflect an emphasis on environmentally conscious building practices. The exterior is treated with a Yakisugi coating, a method that protects the wood from pests and decay through carbonization. Roof and window designs are crafted to optimize airflow and natural light, helping the home blend into its mountainous environment.

The combination of these design features creates a living space that meets practical needs while fostering a connection to the surrounding nature. The thoughtful integration of sustainability, accessibility, and modularity supports a modern lifestyle that is seamlessly integrated with the landscape.

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competition now

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
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Open architecture competitions

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  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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