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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 Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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