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Sustainable Micro-Housing Crafted from Bamboo and Cork for Community Empowerment

Sustainable Micro-Housing Crafted from Bamboo and Cork for Community Empowerment

Project in-detail

Crafted from renewable bamboo and cork, this micro-housing initiative integrates modular design and communal spaces to foster economic opportunities while addressing the challenges of affordable living in an urban context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted from locally sourced bamboo to enhance sustainability.
02
Incorporates cork for insulation, contributing to energy efficiency.
03
Features modular units that allow for flexible living arrangements.
04
Design includes communal spaces to support local craftsmanship.
05
Utilizes rainwater harvesting systems for resource conservation.

**Overview**
Trader’s Trove is located in Vietnam and addresses critical societal challenges, including economic disparity and the global housing crisis driven by rapid urbanization. The initiative focuses on sustainable practices and community empowerment through innovative modular micro-housing solutions designed to adapt to local residents' needs. This project aims to provide shelter while simultaneously facilitating job creation and encouraging social interactions among residents.

**Sustainability and Materiality**
The project prioritizes environmentally responsible construction through the use of local and sustainable materials. Bamboo, recognized for its rapid growth, serves as a primary construction material, while timber is utilized for framing and aesthetic finishes to enhance interior warmth. Additionally, insulating panels made from cork and low-carbon footprint finishes support energy efficiency goals. Incorporating features such as solar tiles and a rainwater harvesting system reinforces the commitment to sustainability, ensuring residents have access to clean energy and water.

**Spatial Organization and Functionality**
Trader’s Trove employs a flexible architectural layout that allows each microhome to serve multiple purposes, accommodating both living spaces and business needs. The interiors are designed with multipurpose areas that allow for easy reconfiguration based on individual requirements. Innovative storage solutions maximize utility in small spaces, while dedicated zones for community interactions promote social cohesion. Craft workshops, food establishments, and educational spaces foster local culture and skills development, making the design community-centric and responsive to residents' evolving needs.

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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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