Get inspired!

17,249 architecture projects

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

Elevated Marketplace Crafted From Bamboo and Natural Timber Emphasizing Community Rituals

Author:
Wan Jun Hong
Elevated Marketplace Crafted From Bamboo and Natural Timber Emphasizing Community Rituals

Project in-detail

Crafted with bamboo and natural timber, this elevated marketplace integrates traditional community rituals into its design, fostering social interaction and cultural continuity in a coastal setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted primarily with locally sourced bamboo, ensuring sustainability and minimal environmental impact.
02
Features a unique bent A-frame design that allows for enhanced ventilation and natural light.
03
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for durability and aesthetic appeal, reflecting traditional craftsmanship.
04
Designed with dedicated ritual spaces that promote cultural practices and community cohesion.
05
Elevated platforms mitigate flooding risks while fostering a seamless connection to the surrounding environment.
The Magpa'igal project is an architectural initiative situated in Kampung Bangau-Bangau, Semporna, Sabah, Malaysia. It responds to the specific cultural and environmental needs of the community while integrating sustainable practices. The design reflects a deep connection to the maritime surroundings, characterized by a boat-like form that symbolizes mobility and resilience inherent to the local coastal lifestyle.

Community Hub and Cultural Significance

The primary function of the Magpa'igal project is to serve as a cultural hub where community members can gather for rituals, markets, and recreational activities. The design incorporates spaces that facilitate communal interaction and support traditional practices, emphasizing its role in promoting social cohesion. Ritual spaces are thoughtfully integrated throughout the structure, allowing for the continuation of cultural ceremonies.

Sustainability is a key aspect of the project, exemplified through its material choices. Locally sourced bamboo and timber are utilized extensively, minimizing environmental impact and supporting local craftsmanship. The incorporation of canvas for shading devices not only provides functional benefits but also captures the nautical theme, enhancing the overall aesthetic.

Design Elements and Architectural Approaches

One of the distinctive features of the Magpa'igal project is its vertical layering, which creates a dynamic spatial experience across multiple levels. This design strategy maximizes natural light and ventilation, which is crucial given the humid tropical climate of the region. The elevated platforms serve both functional and environmental purposes, allowing for airflow and reducing heat accumulation.

The incorporation of large openings and expansive communal areas responds to the area's climatic conditions while fostering a sense of openness and connectivity. This architectural approach contrasts with more enclosed designs, positioning the Magpa'igal project as an exemplar of responsive design in a coastal context.

The symbolism embedded in the architectural form reinforces the community's relationship with the sea. The boat-inspired design embodies the narratives of the inhabitants, transforming abstract cultural references into tangible architectural vocabulary. This thoughtful integration of tradition and functionality sets the Magpa'igal project apart from more conventional developments.

For those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of this architectural endeavor, exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs will provide further insights into its unique features and functional elements. Consider reviewing these documents to fully appreciate the design's intricacies and its significance within the local context.
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 17,249 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