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Floating Bamboo Structures Elevating Community Resilience in Flood-Prone Areas

Authors:
Herbert Banog, Micol Licastro Callipo
Floating Bamboo Structures Elevating Community Resilience in Flood-Prone Areas

Project in-detail

Elevated on a floating foundation, this micro home utilizes engineered bamboo and wooden cladding to provide sustainable housing solutions for communities vulnerable to flooding.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design allows homes to float during flood events.
02
Engineered bamboo provides a sustainable and resilient structural framework.
03
Large windows ensure optimal natural light and ventilation.
04
Community-centric layout promotes social interactions among residents.
05
Wooden cladding reflects traditional Filipino craftsmanship in modern application.

### Project Overview

Kubo is a micro home initiative situated in Bulacan, Philippines, focusing on sustainable living solutions for communities frequently affected by flooding. The design integrates modern architectural elements while reflecting traditional Filipino styles, specifically the "kubo" structure, which serves as a conceptual foundation. This project is dedicated to providing accessible housing options that address environmental vulnerabilities and enhance community living.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Integration

Central to the design philosophy is the emphasis on community resilience and interaction. The layout features clustered housing units that promote social cohesion, a vital aspect of Filipino cultural identity. Each home is designed to cater to both communal living and individual privacy, ensuring that residents can support one another while enjoying their personal space. The unique spatial organization fosters a village-like atmosphere conducive to mutual aid during adverse weather conditions.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Material selection is crucial to the project’s sustainability goals. Key materials used include engineered bamboo for the structural framework, which offers strength and is readily available, alongside wooden cladding that provides both thermal comfort and an aesthetic connection to traditional building practices. Reinforced concrete forms the foundational elements, ensuring stability during flooding, while metal sheets serve as roofing to effectively channel rainwater and resist harsh weather.

The project's approach underscores the importance of environmentally responsible choices, utilizing renewable resources and efficient design strategies to minimize ecological impact. This commitment to sustainability not only enhances structural integrity but also cultivates a warm, inviting residential environment that is crucial for enhancing quality of life within the community.

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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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