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Rural dwelling designed with palm leaves and modular structures for sustainable living

Authors:
Napaskorn Charoenchim, Preradon Pimpakan
Rural dwelling designed with palm leaves and modular structures for sustainable living

Project in-detail

This rural dwelling seamlessly blends palm thatch roofing and modular units to create a sustainable living space that nurtures community ties and agricultural practices in the heart of Thailand.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The dwelling incorporates locally sourced palm leaves for its thatched roofing, ensuring climate adaptability and cultural relevance.
02
Modular unit design allows for configuration changes over time, accommodating varying family sizes and functions.
03
Sliding glass panels enhance natural ventilation and daylighting while creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
04
Terraced landscaping promotes self-sustainability by enabling residents to cultivate food and ornamental plants directly adjacent to their living area.
05
The project's design prioritizes passive solar strategies, optimizing energy efficiency throughout different seasons.
The Bucolic Base architectural project is a thoughtful exploration of rural living in Thailand, reflecting a deep connection to both environment and community. This design represents a synthesis of traditional Thai architectural influences and contemporary sustainable practices, aimed at enhancing the quality of life for those involved in agriculture. The project encapsulates the essence of rural living while responding to modern needs, demonstrating that architecture can function as both a shelter and a community hub.

At its core, the Bucolic Base is designed to cater to the everyday needs of its inhabitants, providing a comfortable living space that accommodates the agricultural lifestyle. The carefully planned layout allows for both personal privacy and communal interaction, crucial for fostering strong familial and community ties. The modular design enables flexibility, with structures that can be easily expanded or reconfigured as the needs of the family change over time.

A distinctive element of the Bucolic Base is its modular construction, which consists of units that measure 1.5 meters by 2.0 meters. This feature not only reflects modern architectural ideas of flexibility but also echoes the practicality sought in agricultural dwellings. The project encourages adaptability, with rooms such as the kitchen positioned centrally to promote gathering and facilitate daily activities, enhancing the sense of togetherness among family members.

The integration of sustainable materials is another critical aspect of the Bucolic Base project. The architects have opted for locally sourced materials, such as palm leaves for the thatched roofing, timber for the structural framework, and concrete for the foundation. This careful selection prioritizes sustainability while ensuring resilience against the local climate factors. Each material is chosen intentionally, not only for its functional properties but also for its cultural significance, aligning with the overall project ethos of respect for traditional practices.

Furthermore, the landscaping around the Bucolic Base complements the architectural design, featuring terraced gardens that provide space for cultivating food and ornamental plants. This not only allows residents to grow their own produce but also emphasizes the importance of agriculture within daily life. The integration of outdoor and indoor spaces is achieved through sliding glass panels, which bridge the gap between nature and the home, inviting natural light and ventilation while enhancing the experience of living in close proximity to the surrounding environment.

The architectural design also considers sustainable energy solutions, with the incorporation of solar panels aimed at promoting energy independence for the residents. This feature reinforces the full-circle approach to sustainability, where the project not only provides shelter but also encourages responsible energy-use practices.

A noteworthy characteristic of the Bucolic Base is its commitment to preserving cultural identity while promoting modern innovations. The structure respects traditional Thai design elements such as the slope of roofs and open layouts, which are well-suited to the local climate and lifestyle. This melding of old and new supports an architectural narrative that speaks to continuity and evolution within the rural context.

In sum, the Bucolic Base project stands as a compelling example of how architecture can harmoniously blend functionality with community spirit and environmental stewardship. It embodies a strategy that prioritizes flexibility, sustainability, and cultural relevance, offering insights into how future design can address the complexities of rural living.

For a more comprehensive understanding of this architectural endeavor, I encourage you to explore the project presentation further, where you will find detailed architectural plans, architectural sections, and innovative architectural designs that illustrate the full scope of this thoughtful project. Delve into the architectural ideas and nuances that make the Bucolic Base a meaningful design accomplishment, enhancing the dialogue around rural living.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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