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Sustainable Bamboo Framework Harmonizing With Elevated Platforms in Rural Living

Authors:
Stefan Marko Rankovic, Nicolas Mendes Gomes, Ethan Paquette, Maxime Adrien Daviau
Sustainable Bamboo Framework Harmonizing With Elevated Platforms in Rural Living

Project in-detail

Elevated bamboo structures designed for efficient rainwater management and natural ventilation create a sustainable living environment that reflects the cultural identity of rural Ifugao.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated platform design protects against flooding in a rural context.
02
Bamboo framework enhances structural flexibility and sustainability.
03
Natural ventilation systems optimize indoor climate management.
04
Rainwater harvesting integrates environmental resilience into daily living.
05
Modular arrangement allows for future expansion based on family needs.

### Overview
The Bahay Kubo, located in the rural landscape of Ifugao, Philippines, integrates traditional Filipino architectural principles with contemporary requirements. This design emphasizes simplicity and practicality while addressing modern environmental challenges. The intent is to create a home that not only reflects the cultural heritage of the Philippines but also meets the functional needs of its occupants in today's context.

### Spatial Configuration
The design features a carefully structured arrangement of functional modules. The **Living Module** serves as the central area for daily activities, promoting flexibility for cooking, dining, and social interactions. The **Sleeping Module**, positioned at an elevated level, maximizes privacy and daylight through strategically placed skylights. A dedicated **Cleaning Module** ensures efficient access to utility zones for laundry and hygiene, facilitating a connection between indoor and outdoor environments. This spatial organization supports communal living, which is a vital aspect of Filipino culture.

### Material Selection
Materiality is central to the aesthetic and performance of the Bahay Kubo. Bamboo, known for its sustainability and flexibility, constitutes the primary framework and roofing material, promoting natural insulation. The interior incorporates plywood and local hardwood, echoing traditional construction methods while offering a warm and inviting atmosphere. Durable ceramic tiles are utilized in the cleaning module for practical maintenance, while strategically placed glass elements enhance natural light and visual connectivity with the surroundings. This deliberate selection fosters both ecological sustainability and a strong sense of cultural identity within the design.

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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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