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Textile Enclosure Featuring Local Basketry and Straw Insulation in a Compact Microhome

Authors:
Florencia Valentina Traversa Artigas, María Belén Pérez Montelongo, Camila Giaconi Santos
Textile Enclosure Featuring Local Basketry and Straw Insulation in a Compact Microhome
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A lightweight textile enclosure incorporates local basketry and straw insulation to create a flexible microhome that adapts to various living functions while emphasizing sustainability and cultural integration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Textile enclosures allow for adaptable privacy in various configurations.
02
Local basketry techniques are integrated into the design for cultural authenticity.
03
A composting dry bath enhances sustainability in waste management.
04
Straw insulation provides energy efficiency and thermal comfort.
05
Rainwater collection systems support local resource conservation efforts.

The design prioritizes flexibility, privacy, and cultural integration, situated in an environment that blends traditional influences with modern living. The overall concept centers on using textile enclosures, enabling a dynamic relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces. This approach allows occupants to adjust their surroundings to meet personal preferences, ensuring that the living areas can adapt to various functional needs. By addressing sanitary facilities thoughtfully, the design maintains a connection to the cultural context of the location.

Textile Enclosure and Flexibility

At the heart of the design is the textile enclosure, which consists of flexible panels that occupants can rearrange according to their needs. Different configurations for the bathroom showcase this adaptability. In some cases, the bathroom stands apart, while in others, it merges with the outdoor environment. This flexibility highlights how the design responds to user interactions, allowing the spatial boundaries to shift, thus enhancing the overall living experience.

Sustainability Initiatives

The project places a strong emphasis on sustainability, particularly in how it addresses sanitary facilities. A dry bath uses composting techniques for waste disposal, thus promoting environmentally friendly practice. Water efficiency is enhanced with a shower that includes a system for reusing water. Additionally, a gutter collects rainwater from the roof, demonstrating a practical approach to resource management. These sustainable features align with local practices and reflect a broader commitment to environmental responsibility.

Cultural Integration and Community Craftsmanship

Cultural integration emerges as a key theme, particularly through the idea of "Merging Reality." This concept combines local traditions with contemporary urban lifestyles, respecting the heritage of the tropical region of Africa while adapting to modern needs. The design features a microhome layout that accommodates various functions, such as dining, working, and socializing, all within a compact space. By encouraging local artisans to create handmade panels, the project fosters artistic expression and emphasizes the cultural significance of the materials used.

Material Composition and Thermal Performance

Material choices are crucial for both performance and appearance. Wood plates and a mix of straw and mud provide insulation, enhancing warmth and comfort. Recycled plastic plates and wooden beams add structural support while promoting sustainability. These materials not only fulfill practical functions but also connect the design to its environment, creating a coherent aesthetic that resonates with the surrounding landscape.

The textile enclosure functions as an integral aspect of the design, allowing people to engage meaningfully with their living environment and adapt their spaces to suit their evolving needs.

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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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