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Recyclable Plastic and Bamboo Create Flexible Community Spaces for Engagement and Learning

Authors:
Susan Morgan, Brita Carlson, Jena Quast, Chris Hutton
Recyclable Plastic and Bamboo Create Flexible Community Spaces for Engagement and Learning

Project in-detail

Constructed using recyclable plastic and bamboo, the design integrates flexible modular units that support community engagement and educational activities within diverse public spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with modular units, allowing for flexible reconfiguration based on community needs.
02
Utilizes recyclable plastic and bamboo, combining durability with sustainable practices.
03
Incorporates transparent glass panels for enhanced visibility and interaction.
04
Integrates LED lighting to promote engagement during evening activities.
05
Designed to fit seamlessly into both urban and natural environments, enhancing user experience.

### Overview

The Parti architectural design project focuses on the development of modular public spaces aimed at fostering community interaction and engagement. Located across diverse urban and natural contexts, the project presents a series of adaptable elements categorized into four themes—parti-libriari, parti-gather, parti-wander, and parti-hearth—each serving specific functions tailored to their environments.

### Spatial Strategy

The primary intent of the Parti project is to create versatile and multifunctional spaces that promote literacy, community gatherings, and recreational activities. Each design component can be reconfigured based on the needs of users, enhancing the potential for curiosity and communal engagement. The parti-libriari emphasizes public reading areas integrated within urban landscapes, while parti-gather designates spaces for congregation and reflection within an urban plaza. Additionally, the parti-wander aspect introduces exploratory features in wooded areas, encouraging immersive experiences in nature, and parti-hearth provides shelter and comfort for outdoor events.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration

Materials selected for the project reflect both functionality and sustainability. Recyclable plastic is utilized for its durability and adaptability to changing weather conditions. Glass panels are incorporated to ensure transparency, fostering visibility and social interaction. Bamboo serves as a sustainable alternative for structural integrity, particularly in natural settings. Metal poles provide stability and can accommodate various features such as lighting. The integration of LED technology enhances the usability of the spaces at night, creating inviting environments for the community. The design prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that the utilized spaces cater to individuals of all ages and abilities while being responsive to their geographical context.

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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
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