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Recycled Gum Poles and Movable Shading in Adaptive Micro Homes

Author:
Gillian Holl
Recycled Gum Poles and Movable Shading in Adaptive Micro Homes
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Incorporating 3D printed concrete and recycled gum poles, this adaptable micro home features a movable shading system and an integrated aquaponic garden, offering residents a sustainable living and working environment in urban South Africa.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates an aquaponic system for local food production.
02
Constructed with 3D printed concrete for enhanced efficiency.
03
Features a movable shading device for climate adaptability.
04
Utilizes recycled gum poles to promote sustainability.
05
Designed for easy on-site installation without extensive labor.

The micro home is designed to tackle the challenges of urban living in South Africa. Set in densely populated cities, it serves both as a place to live and work, emphasizing community engagement. The design concept focuses on connectivity and sustainability, encouraging social interaction while promoting local economies.

Connectivity and Community Engagement

The micro home is structured to link with nearby communities, helping to boost local economic development. It features a communal area shaded by a movable device, which allows residents to gather and interact. The arrangement of spaces encourages clustering, making it easier for the public to engage with one another in a shared environment.

Sustainability in Design

Sustainability plays a key role in the design of the micro home, which is constructed using recyclable materials. Important materials include 3D printed concrete, plastic cylinders, corrugated iron sheeting, and recycled gum poles. The home incorporates systems for collecting and filtering water, as well as managing temperature. These features are designed to enhance its self-sufficiency, aligning with modern urban planning practices.

Adaptability and Cost-Effectiveness

This micro home is built for adaptability and cost-effectiveness. It can be easily purchased and installed on-site, avoiding the need for extensive construction. The structure is designed to rest on concrete footings, allowing it to fit different terrains. Inside, the layout allows for furniture to be moved, enabling spaces to be tailored for both living and working.

Aquaponic System Integration

The micro home includes an aquaponic system, which allows residents to grow their own crops and vegetables. This feature supports sustainability and contributes to food security in urban areas. By integrating local food production, the design seeks to address community needs while promoting resilience.

The project provides a functional approach to combining living and working spaces. The design is thoughtful and responds to the needs of urban residents, balancing ecological concerns with social connectivity. Its choice of materials and layout creates a practical urban dwelling tailored for modern city life.

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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

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100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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