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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

Project in-detail

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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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
competition now

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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