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Elevated Shelters Crafted from Bamboo with Pulley Mechanisms for Flood-Prone Communities

Authors:
Kai Horng, Gayatri Narayan, Camilla Dayrit, Simone Arora
Elevated Shelters Crafted from Bamboo with Pulley Mechanisms for Flood-Prone Communities

Project in-detail

Utilizing a bamboo framework and a pulley mechanism for elevation, this microhome design offers a resilient solution for families in flood-prone areas, ensuring safety and community integration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a pulley mechanism to elevate the structure during flood events.
02
Constructed primarily with locally sourced bamboo as a sustainable material.
03
Features a lofted bedroom design to maximize vertical space and airflow.
04
Incorporates photovoltaic glass for energy efficiency and self-sufficiency.
05
Encourages community interaction through shared outdoor living spaces.
The architectural design project focuses on developing microhomes for flood-prone areas in Vietnam. This project addresses urgent housing needs resulting from climate change, specifically the rising likelihood of flooding due to sea-level rise and increased rainfall. The design emphasizes resilience, sustainability, and adaptability, offering a practical housing solution for vulnerable communities in coastal regions. By integrating innovative architectural elements, this project seeks to create safe and functional living environments that respond effectively to environmental challenges.

Unique Architectural Innovations

One of the defining features of this project is its incorporation of a pulley mechanism, allowing homes to be elevated during flood events. This design approach empowers residents to proactively manage their living conditions and enhances safety against rising water levels. The microhome layout includes essential areas such as a compact kitchen, multipurpose workspace, lofted bedroom, and social seating area. Such spatial organization not only fulfills basic living needs but also maximizes limited horizontal space, utilizing verticality to improve air circulation and light penetration.

Material selection distinguishes this project further. The use of sustainable materials like bamboo for wall panels, along with a robust steel frame and pole support, underscores the aim for durability and ecological responsibility. Photovoltaic glass integration for solar energy harvesting promotes energy efficiency, while steel cables reinforce structural integrity. This combination of materials reflects an understanding of local contexts and environmental conditions, offering resilience in a vulnerable setting.

Community-Oriented Design

The microhome’s spatial configuration encourages community interaction and social cohesion. By designing shared outdoor spaces, the architecture fosters communal ties and enhances residents' quality of life. The integration of these spaces creates an environment conducive to social activities while allowing individual privacy within the homes.

Overall, the architectural design of this project presents a viable solution for providing shelter in flood-prone regions. It combines adaptability, sustainability, and community orientation, setting a benchmark for future developments in similar contexts. For those interested in a deeper exploration of this architectural initiative, please refer to the project's architectural plans, sections, and detailed design ideas for a comprehensive understanding of its execution and impact.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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
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