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Trellis-Integrated Reading Room Using Bamboo and Eco-Friendly Materials

Authors:
Mariana Becerra, Natalia Calcaneo, Andrea Jacome
Trellis-Integrated Reading Room Using Bamboo and Eco-Friendly Materials

Project in-detail

The integration of a trellis with climbing plants and sustainable bamboo materials creates a distinctive reading room that fosters community interaction and promotes an inviting atmosphere for literary exchange.
5 key facts about this project
01
The trellis structure allows for natural plant growth, enhancing the reading room's connection to nature.
02
Bamboo panels are used for structural integrity, promoting sustainability and renewable materials.
03
Lumira aerogel roofing provides exceptional lightweight insulation while remaining eco-friendly.
04
Repreve fabric, made from recycled PET, is used for seating, combining comfort with environmental responsibility.
05
The design includes personal sitting areas integrated into walls, encouraging intimate reading spaces.

The BOOKGARDEN project is a versatile reading room located within a natural setting. Its design emphasizes both function and accessibility, creating a space for community interaction and literary exchange. Inspired by "The Secret Garden," the project blends architectural elements with nature, fostering a calm environment ideal for reading and socializing.

Design Concept

Central to BOOKGARDEN is the trellis structure, which serves as an open lattice framework supporting climbing plants. This design choice promotes a connection to nature while enhancing the visual appeal of the reading room. The space encourages natural growth, allowing it to change over time. This creates a relationship between the building and its surroundings, inviting visitors to engage with the environment as they explore the area.

Spatial Organization

The layout of BOOKGARDEN features distinct sections that clearly define different functional areas, promoting balance within the space. With designated areas for seating and bookshelves, the design allows users to move about easily. The interplay of vertical and horizontal lines creates visual interest, while the mix of smooth and sharp edges adds texture. Overall, this thoughtful organization contributes to an inviting atmosphere that supports a variety of activities.

Sustainable Materials

A key focus of the design is sustainability, which is evident in the choice of materials used throughout the project. Bamboo panels form the structural components, providing a renewable source of strength and durability. The roofing incorporates Lumira aerogel, known for its lightweight insulation properties. Repreve fabric, made from recycled PET bottles, is used for seating, and Vita Talalay latex provides breathable stuffing for comfort.

Natural light streams through the trellis, casting soft shadows within the reading room. This gentle play of light enhances the atmosphere, creating an inviting space for quiet reflection and community gatherings.

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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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