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 Sustainability Through Bamboo Louvers and Fly Ash Concrete in Teacher Housing

Author:
Henry Iskandar Ong
Elevated Sustainability Through Bamboo Louvers and Fly Ash Concrete in Teacher Housing

Project in-detail

Constructed with locally sourced bamboo louvers and fly ash concrete, this microhome provides resilient housing for teachers in Lombok's remote regions, addressing community needs while emphasizing sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with fly ash concrete to reduce carbon footprint.
02
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system for sustainable water management.
03
Features extensive bamboo louvers for passive cooling and natural ventilation.
04
Elevated design minimizes flood risk while maximizing airflow.
05
Includes hydroponic gardens to promote self-sufficiency among occupants.

### Project Overview

Rumah Guru, located in Lombok, Indonesia, addresses the inadequate living conditions faced by honorary teachers in remote areas. This microhome design aims to provide sustainable and culturally relevant housing solutions that reflect the educational needs of its occupants. The structure is particularly responsive to the challenges posed by natural disasters, such as the 2018 earthquake, creating a resilient living environment that fosters community support.

### Spatial Organization

The residence features a compact layout of 50 square meters, organized into two interconnected triangular forms that enhance spatial efficiency and flexibility. The entrance is strategically positioned to facilitate a smooth flow into an open living area, promoting interaction among residents. Elevated above potential flood levels, the design incorporates large windows and cross-ventilation strategies to optimize natural airflow and light, reinforcing the connection between interior spaces and the surrounding environment.

### Sustainable Material Choices

The selection of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and local craftsmanship. Key materials include:

- **King Span Insulated Roof Panels:** Providing energy efficiency through effective insulation.
- **Reused Local Timber:** Utilized for structural and flooring elements, minimizing ecological impact.
- **Fly Ash Concrete Walls:** Reducing environmental footprints while ensuring durability.
- **Polycarbonate Roofing:** Facilitating natural light ingress and enhancing indoor comfort.
- **Bamboo Louvers:** Serving as natural ventilation and sun shading, highlighting regional techniques.

These materials are selected for their functional performance and aesthetic compatibility, resulting in a robust structure suited to the tropical climate.

### Sustainable Systems

The design incorporates various sustainability features, including:

- **Solar Panels:** Supporting energy independence through renewable sources.
- **Rainwater Harvesting:** Aided by a tailored collection system to ensure a sustainable water supply.
- **Hydroponic Herb Garden:** Promoting self-sufficiency in food production with minimal environmental impact.
- **Biodigester Waste Management:** Encouraging ecological conservation through effective waste processing and recycling.

These integrated systems contribute to a nurturing ecosystem, emphasizing community and environmental responsibility while enhancing the quality of life for educators in the region. The circular arrangement of microhomes fosters social interaction and cultural exchange, creating a collaborative space that supports shared learning experiences.

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