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Sustainable Community Hub Built With Bamboo and Reed Emphasizing Natural Ventilation

Author:
Andrew Glicksberg
Sustainable Community Hub Built With Bamboo and Reed Emphasizing Natural Ventilation

Project in-detail

Crafted from locally sourced bamboo and reed, this community center employs a diagrid structure that harmonizes with its natural surroundings, providing a versatile space for cultural gatherings and communal activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally harvested bamboo and reed, promoting sustainable building practices.
02
Incorporates a diagrid structure that allows for a column-free interior space.
03
Features natural ventilation through its elevated design, enhancing indoor air quality.
04
Emphasizes community participation by encouraging locals to engage in construction.
05
Integrates sacred geometry to foster a deeper connection with nature and community.
The Sacred Community Center is an architectural project designed to foster community interaction and engagement through a multifunctional space. Positioned within a natural landscape, this project serves not merely as a building but as a hub for social activities and cultural expression. It stands as a physical representation of community values, emphasizing accessibility, sustainability, and a connection to nature.

The design concept is notably influenced by principles of sacred geometry, which find expression in its structural layout and aesthetic form. By incorporating elements drawn from natural patterns such as the Fibonacci series and the Golden Ratio, the architecture invokes a sense of harmony and balance. The project challenges conventional building practices, particularly through its innovative use of lightweight materials and flexible construction methodologies, which allow community members to engage directly in the creation of their shared space.

The structure features a diagrid system that eliminates the need for interior columns, providing an open and adaptable interior environment. This expansive space can accommodate a variety of functions, including gatherings, educational workshops, and cultural performances. Such versatility is vital, as it allows the community to utilize the center to its fullest potential, reinforcing communal ties and responding to diverse needs.

Materiality plays a crucial role in this architectural design. Predominantly constructed from Arundo Donax, a Mediterranean reed, and bamboo, the materials were chosen for their sustainability, lightweight nature, and local availability. These renewable resources are bundled and fastened using hemp rope, promoting a low-impact construction process that respects the environment. Meanwhile, the exterior cladding employs PVC tensile fabric, which contributes to the durability of the structure while providing essential natural ventilation. This choice reflects a conscious effort to minimize the building’s ecological footprint.

Attention to environmental factors extends to the structural layout. By raising the building off the ground, it protects the interior from flooding while ensuring air circulation around the space. The elevated design enables water to flow freely beneath and enhances cooling opportunities during warmer months. This thoughtful approach not only augments the building’s resilience but also aligns with broader sustainability goals by integrating with the surrounding ecosystem.

The interior arrangement further promotes accessibility. Utilities are strategically located towards the periphery, allowing for efficient use of space and easy navigation for all users. The kitchen area is designed with the capacity to support larger groups, equipped with practical storage solutions to facilitate community events. This spatial organization emphasizes the importance of communal participation and interaction, encouraging spontaneous gatherings and fostering a sense of belonging.

The Sacred Community Center goes beyond functionality; it serves as a vessel for cultural connectivity and collective identity. By embracing sacred geometry in both its form and function, the design infuses the space with meaning, inviting users to forge a deeper relationship with their environment. This architectural endeavor enhances the community's capacity to engage with its heritage while adapting to modern needs.

In summary, the Sacred Community Center is an architectural project that embodies thoughtful design and community focus while integrating sustainable practices. Its innovative structure and material choices reflect a commitment to enhancing social cohesion and environmental stewardship. For those interested in uncovering more about the finer details of this project, including architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, further exploration of the project presentation is encouraged. Engaging with these elements will provide deeper insights into the thoughtful conception and execution of this community-oriented architectural endeavor.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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