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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

Project in-detail

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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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

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