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Floating Residence Constructed with Engineered Bamboo and Sustainable Materials for Urban Flood Resilience

Author:
Bettina De Villa Colet
Floating Residence Constructed with Engineered Bamboo and Sustainable Materials for Urban Flood Resilience

Project in-detail

Constructed with engineered bamboo and equipped with a floating foundation, this residence is designed to adapt to rising floodwaters while providing a sustainable living environment in an urban context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a floating mechanism to adapt to seasonal flooding.
02
Utilizes engineered bamboo for structural integrity and sustainability.
03
Features a rainwater collection system for resource efficiency.
04
Incorporates passive cooling through a solar chimney design.
05
Organizes spaces to encourage both privacy and community interaction.

### Project Overview

The Amphibian House is designed to address the frequent flooding experienced during seasonal typhoons in the Philippines, particularly in urban environments such as Metro Manila. The project embodies a hybrid approach that respects the dynamic relationship between land and water. Drawing on traditional Filipino architectural elements, particularly the Bahay Kubo and Bahay na Bato, the design integrates contemporary sustainable technologies to mitigate the impacts of urban flooding.

### Spatial Configuration and Community Integration

The layout of the Amphibian House is carefully organized to differentiate between public and private spaces. Upon entry, visitors are greeted with a layout that effectively separates private areas, including bedrooms and bathrooms, from public zones such as the living, dining, and kitchen areas. This configuration promotes fluidity and interaction within the communal spaces while ensuring privacy in the more personal sections of the home. The design prioritizes circulation efficiency and functionality, accommodating a range of living activities within a compact footprint.

### Material Innovations and Sustainable Practices

Innovative material choices reflect both cultural significance and functional performance. Engineered bamboo is employed for the interior shell, offering flexibility during flood events, while bamboo exterior cladding enhances durability and aesthetic warmth. Aluminum roofing panels contribute to the structure’s buoyancy and resistance to corrosion. A floating mechanism incorporates plastic dock floaters, allowing for effective elevation above floodwaters. Sustainability is further supported through a compost toilet system that minimizes environmental impact and a rainwater collection system that utilizes the abundant local resources. Additionally, passive cooling strategies, such as shaded eaves and a solar chimney, enhance energy efficiency, ensuring comfort while reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources through strategically placed solar panels.

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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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