Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Thatch Roof and Bamboo Structure Centered Around a Bright Courtyard

Authors:
Pitchayuth Saenyudtitham, Rachain Burinthanachat, Poramin Tavon, Tanakorn Nitisak
Thatch Roof and Bamboo Structure Centered Around a Bright Courtyard

Project in-detail

A thatch roof supported by bamboo purlins creates a central courtyard that enhances ventilation and natural light in this residential design, promoting a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Thatch roof enhances heat management while providing a natural aesthetic.
02
Bamboo purlins improve ventilation and align with local building traditions.
03
Central courtyard maximizes daylight and encourages outdoor living.
04
Adjustable partitions allow residents to control light and shade throughout the day.
05
Pottery space connects interior functions with the landscape, fostering creativity.

The project in Khaoyai, Nakorrachasima, Thailand, presents a thoughtful take on living in a tropical environment. The design centers around the concept of life rhythms influenced by natural light and the sun's path. By prioritizing sunlight and shadow, the layout allows for an engaging connection between the interior spaces and the surrounding landscape, creating an atmosphere conducive to both comfort and interaction with nature.

Spatial Organization

The layout comprises various areas, including an entrance, garage, storage spaces, a front garden, living room, powder room, piano area, pottery space, small courtyard, Thai kitchen, dining room, bedroom, bathroom, pottery showcase, and meditation area. Each of these functions is placed strategically to address the needs of daily life while fostering relationships between different spaces. The arrangement promotes a balance between privacy and social interaction, inviting natural elements into the home.

Light and Shadow

A pivotal element of the design is the focus on light and shadow. In a region where high temperatures are common, the project embraces these natural forces. The central part of the house acts as a light source, influencing the way energy flows and guiding movement throughout the home. Adjustable partitions around this core allow residents to control lighting and shading as daylight changes throughout the day.

Material Use

Material choices play an important role. The roof, made of thatch and supported by bamboo purlins, enhances airflow and manages heat, keeping the interior comfortable. These materials reflect the local context and provide practical solutions that harmonize with modern living requirements while honoring traditional techniques.

Connection to Nature

The design encourages a connection to the outdoors, particularly through private spaces like the bedroom and pottery area, which offer direct views and access to the landscape. This integration creates an experience where indoor living blends smoothly with the environment, aligning with the lifestyle of the inhabitants.

In the heart of the layout, a bright courtyard acts as a focal point, capturing light and serving as a serene retreat. It invites tranquility while linking the various elements of the home, illustrating how architecture can engage with its natural surroundings.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy