Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Elevated Bamboo Structure Featuring Vertical Gardens and Integrated Solar Panels for Community Resilience

Authors:
Ayşegül Güner, Doğa Yeşi̇m Akok, Buse Kaptan
Elevated Bamboo Structure Featuring Vertical Gardens and Integrated Solar Panels for Community Resilience

Project in-detail

An elevated structure constructed with bamboo and integrated with vertical gardens and solar panels addresses the unique agricultural and educational needs of the community while promoting environmental sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated stilt construction enhances flood resilience in a vulnerable region.
02
Vertical gardens incorporate collapsible systems for space efficiency and education.
03
Bamboo framing offers both structural integrity and sustainability benefits.
04
Transparent solar panels maximize natural light while generating energy.
05
Local materials reduce transportation impact and support regional economy.

### Project Overview
Located in the Arbitenonite Valley near Haiti's longest river, the Metaplasia architectural design project addresses critical issues of agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, and earthquake resilience within this seismically active region. The design is intended to reinforce local agriculture while being fully integrated within its natural context, promoting both ecological awareness and community engagement throughout the development process.

### Sustainability and Materiality
The project emphasizes a robust framework of sustainability and adaptability. Key materials include bamboo, which offers structural integrity while being lightweight and rapidly renewable; palm leaves, utilized for their aesthetic and eco-friendly properties in roofing; and transparent photovoltaic solar panels, which provide energy and natural light without compromising efficiency. Water-efficient installations, like integrated water tanks, are incorporated to address local water scarcity, while the design features collapsible vertical gardens that enhance educational opportunities for residents and encourage local biodiversity.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience
The spatial organization reflects a thoughtful approach to community interaction and environmental integration. Elevated on stilts to mitigate flood risks, the building features multi-angled roofs for optimal solar exposure and efficient water runoff. Interior designs prioritize multifunctional living spaces, fostering communal activities, and specific zones dedicated to educational programs in sustainability and agricultural sciences. The presence of gardening spaces, both within and around the structure, promotes hands-on learning experiences while contributing to food production, establishing a direct relationship between residents and their environment.

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