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Portable Micro Home with Bamboo Structure and Abaca Mesh for Urban Living

Authors:
Jenica Grace Malana, Trisha Anne Oliveros, Christian Del Rosario
Portable Micro Home with Bamboo Structure and Abaca Mesh for Urban Living
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Constructed with foldable panels and an elevated bamboo structure, this micro home in Metro Manila incorporates abaca mesh for ventilation while offering a flexible living space tailored for urban residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Foldable panels allow for efficient space management and easy transport.
02
Elevated on stilts to protect against urban flooding.
03
Abaca mesh provides natural ventilation while keeping insects out.
04
Designed specifically for fast-moving young professional couples.
05
Incorporates off-the-grid solar energy for sustainable living.

Project Tiklop is a micro home located in Metro Manila, Philippines. It addresses the challenges of urban living by offering a compact and adaptable space designed for young professional couples. With its modest size of 12 square meters, the design encourages a minimalist lifestyle while ensuring functionality and ease of use.

Modularity and Flexibility
The design revolves around the concept of modularity, showcasing a series of foldable panels that maximize space efficiency. The first panel includes the main living area as well as a kitchen and convertible sleeping space. This layout allows residents to reconfigure the home easily, meeting their changing needs and making it suitable for life in a busy city.

Functional Zoning
The second foldable panel functions as a compressed unit, containing walls, floors, and balcony extensions to enhance the overall compactness of the home. The third panel encompasses essential facilities such as a toilet and bath, along with storage areas. This zoning approach helps create a practical living environment where all necessary functions are thoughtfully organized within a limited footprint.

Sustainable Features
Commitment to sustainability runs through Project Tiklop. The design incorporates thin-film solar cells in the roofing system, providing energy for the home while allowing it to operate independently from conventional utilities. Windows are designed to open, promoting natural ventilation and welcoming daylight, which reduces the need for artificial lighting and climate control.

Material Selection
The choice of materials is another important aspect of the design. Bamboo and oakwood are used for their strength and availability in the local area. Additionally, the project features protective window mesh made from abaca fiber. This balances airflow while keeping insects outside, supporting both comfort and ecological considerations.

Elevated on stilts, the structure responds to potential flooding commonly seen in urban settings. The design includes a rainwater harvesting system, underscoring a practical approach to water management. This further enhances the function of the home, providing residents with essential resources while addressing urban challenges. The various features and thoughtful layout work together to create a unique living solution for the fast-paced city environment.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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