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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.

## Architectural Design Report: Magpa'igal Project

### Overview
Located in the Kampung Bangau-Bangau area of Semporna, Sabah, Malaysia, the Magpa'igal project responds to the cultural, social, and environmental dynamics of the local community. The design aims to integrate traditional practices with contemporary architectural solutions, reflecting the residents' dependence on the maritime environment. This report examines the architectural concept, materiality, and design outcomes that contribute to the project's identity.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality
The architectural form is inspired by the shape of a boat, symbolizing mobility and resilience intrinsic to the region’s maritime culture. The layout features vertical layering that accommodates multiple functions, including ritual spaces for communal gatherings and marketplaces. Strategically positioned large openings and elevated platforms enhance natural light and ventilation, optimizing the indoor environment for the humid tropical climate. This organization fosters community interaction while ensuring that essential activities are accessible and interconnected.

### Sustainability and Material Selection
Magpa'igal incorporates locally sourced, sustainable materials that reflect the environmental ethos of the community. Bamboo serves as a primary structural element due to its strength and flexibility, while local timber is employed for various architectural features, showcasing traditional craftsmanship. Fabric elements, reminiscent of sails, are utilized for shading and ventilation, supporting airflow and temperature regulation. Reinforced concrete is used for foundational stability, ensuring durability with minimal impact on the natural landscape. This thoughtful selection contributes to the project’s sustainability while addressing the immediate needs of the population amidst challenges such as rising sea levels.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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