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Self-Sustaining Home with Bamboo Structure and Hydroponic Garden

Author:
Francis Fatade
Self-Sustaining Home with Bamboo Structure and Hydroponic Garden
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Constructed from bamboo and integrated with a hydroponic garden, the self-sustaining home offers a compact living solution designed for young couples seeking efficiency and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Custom loft bed allows multifunctional use of vertical space.
02
Hydroponic system provides fresh produce and natural shading.
03
Rainwater collection system efficiently manages resources.
04
Basement serves as a geothermal heating and cooling unit.
05
Tesla power wall enables effective energy storage and management.

The Diamond Cube is a modern home designed to be placed in various locations, including land, deserts, or water. It occupies 25 square meters and serves young couples. The design focuses on sustainability by generating energy from the sun and allowing residents to grow their own food through a hydroponic system. This approach promotes a self-sufficient lifestyle.

Interior Configuration

The interior layout is open and flexible, enhancing the functionality of the space. A key feature is a custom loft bed that includes storage shelves, a bench, and a work table. This setup provides access to the loft above and allows multiple uses, such as a relaxation area or workspace. The design maximizes vertical space while maintaining a compact footprint.

Sustainable Features

Sustainability is a core aspect of the Diamond Cube. The cooking area is conveniently located next to the hydroponic system, enabling the growth of fresh produce that provides natural shading in the interior. Rainwater is collected using a sloped roof, and this water is stored in a basement. The basement also acts as a geothermal heating and cooling system, contributing to energy efficiency in the home.

Material Selection

The Diamond Cube is built using materials selected for their functionality and environmental impact. Bamboo, treated with resin for added strength, serves as the main structural component. Hempcrete is used for insulation, allowing for a lighter building. The exterior is clad with clay that turns into terracotta as it dries in the sun, adding both visual appeal and performance benefits. The roof features PTFE fabric that accommodates solar panels, supporting energy collection.

Functional Systems

The basement goes beyond simple storage. It features a Tesla power wall for energy management and includes a sewage treatment system that purifies waste. This waste is converted into nutrients for the hydroponic system, creating a closed-loop system that is practical and eco-friendly. The design of the Diamond Cube represents a thoughtful approach to efficient living, showing how modern homes can work in harmony with nature to promote a self-sustaining way of life.

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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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Competition organisers

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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