Get inspired!

16,979 architecture projects

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

Elevated Eco-Home Utilizing Lamboo and Polycarbonate For Seamless River Integration

Authors:
Dixon Leung, Xiaoqi Sang, Yutao Mei, Tristan Kovacs
Elevated Eco-Home Utilizing Lamboo and Polycarbonate For Seamless River Integration

Project in-detail

Utilizing engineered Lamboo and polycarbonate for structural resilience, this eco-home is elevated above the river landscape, creating a sustainable living space that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated structure minimizes flood risk while maximizing natural views.
02
Engineered Lamboo provides both strength and flexibility for sustainable construction.
03
Operable polycarbonate panels enhance ventilation and daylighting.
04
Integrated water turbine harnesses river flow for energy generation.
05
Design promotes seamless indoor-outdoor connectivity with the landscape.
The House of Maena is an architectural project located in Thailand that embodies a commitment to sustainable living while integrating harmoniously into its natural environment. This residence serves as a model for innovative design, utilizing local materials and modern techniques to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing space. The project emphasizes an interconnected relationship between the structure and its surroundings, promoting an environmentally responsible approach to residential architecture.

Designing the House of Maena centered around the utilization of engineered bamboo, known as Lamboo, for its structural frame. This material choice not only benefits the environment through its renewable nature but also showcases the potential of local resources in modern design. Metal roofing and polycarbonate panels contribute to durability and efficient thermal performance, allowing for flexibility in natural ventilation while protecting against local weather conditions. Concrete grains form the foundation, elevating the structure and mitigating flood risks inherent to riverine locations.

Innovative Water and Energy Systems

A distinctive aspect of the House of Maena is its self-sustaining water management and energy generation systems. The inclusion of a water pump sourced from upstream allows the residence to harness clean water, stored in a 30-gallon tank, while a water turbine generates power through the flow of the river. These features emphasize functional sustainability, advancing the discussion about renewable energy solutions in residential architecture. The use of operable polycarbonate panels enhances airflow, allowing residents to regulate indoor climate naturally, thereby reducing dependence on conventional energy systems.

Integration of Indoor and Outdoor Spaces

The architectural design maximizes interaction with the surrounding landscape. An open living area connects seamlessly with the outdoors, featuring large windows that frame views of the river and facilitate natural light. Bedrooms are strategically positioned to capture serene views, further reinforcing the connection to nature. The design promotes a lifestyle that embraces outdoor living while ensuring comfort within the residence.

The House of Maena stands out due to its focused approach on environmental sustainability through the use of local materials, innovative energy management, and strong indoor-outdoor relationships. This project is not only a residence but also a reference point for future architectural ideas that prioritize ecological integration. Explore the project's architectural plans and sections to gain a deeper understanding of the design decisions and conceptual frameworks that define the House of Maena.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
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
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 16,979 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