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Honeycomb Structures and Fast-Growing Wood for Resilient Living in Tibet

Author:
Gang Mao
Honeycomb Structures and Fast-Growing Wood for Resilient Living in Tibet

Project in-detail

The use of honeycomb structures and fast-growing wood creates a modular design optimized for resilience and adaptability, providing essential housing solutions for communities impacted by natural disasters in Tibet.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a honeycomb structural system for enhanced stability and efficiency.
02
Incorporates fast-growing wood to ensure sustainability and rapid construction.
03
Features modular units that can be reconfigured for various community needs.
04
Designed to withstand climatic challenges specific to the Nepal region.
05
Prioritizes communal interaction through adaptable shared spaces.

The focus of this design is to create functional living spaces for communities affected by natural disasters, particularly in Tibet. The aim is to develop adaptable structures that can be quickly set up to meet immediate needs. The design concept emphasizes modular and multi-functional architecture, which allows for efficient use of space in challenging environments.

Modularity and Flexibility

A modular approach enables individual units to be rearranged according to the unique requirements of the community. This flexibility is crucial in regions where populations may change rapidly due to displacement. By creating adaptable environments, the design supports social interactions among residents, fostering a sense of belonging and collaboration.

Bionic Inspiration

The design draws on the honeycomb structure found in nature. This inspiration leads to a building form that is both strong and efficient. The hexagonal layout not only ensures stability but also provides communal spaces that can easily shift in purpose, serving as areas for healthcare, education, or temporary housing as needed.

Material Selection

Fast-growing wood is the key construction material for the project. This choice reflects a commitment to sustainability while also being cost-effective. Using lightweight wood allows for quick assembly, which is important in emergency situations. The material's properties minimize the ecological footprint and help create structures that can be easily modified or relocated.

Geographical Context

Unique climatic challenges in Nepal, such as earthquakes and changing weather, are taken into account in the design. By understanding these factors, the architecture is created to offer safety and durability against natural threats. The result is a solution that balances form and function, making it suitable for the realities of post-disaster living.

The arrangement of the modules includes spaces designed for both community interaction and private life. This thoughtful layout not only addresses immediate needs but also facilitates longer-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.

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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

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