About Competition
The Bamboo Housing Challenge – A Collaboration Between Bamboo U and The Base Bahay Foundation
Reimagine the future of bamboo housing for all
What is the Contest?
The Bamboo Housing Challenge is a global design competition inviting architects, designers, engineers, students, and creative thinkers worldwide to imagine a bamboo-based affordable home prototype that can be built for under USD 10,000. Its curatorial intent is to merge innovation, human-centered design, and climate-resilient architecture, culminating in a real built prototype in Bali, Indonesia — not just a conceptual competition.
Organizers & Partners:
- Organized by Bamboo U in collaboration with Base Bahay Foundation, with support from the Hilti Foundation.
Strategic Challenge:
Design a dignified, functional, and resilient bamboo home (≤80 sqm) that is buildable for under USD 10,000, rooted in tropical contexts, structurally sound, environmentally responsive, and socially relevant.
Competition Structure & Timeline
Target Audience:
Open to professionals and students globally — architects, engineers, designers, planners, artists, sociologists, and creatives — as individuals or teams (max 3 people).
Registration:
- Early Bird: $180 USD (until 8 Feb 2026)
- Main: $280 USD (to 15 Mar 2026)
- Student Discount: $140 USD (Option Available with ID Verification)
Key Dates:
Registration Deadline: 15 Mar 2026
Submission Deadline: 17 Apr 2026
Winner Announcement: 15 May 2026
Proposal Development: Jun–Aug 2026
Full-Scale Build & Course: 23 Oct–3 Nov 2026 in Bali
Prize & Recognition Framework
Main Prize:
Winner will see their design built at full scale during Bamboo U’s 11-Day Bamboo Build & Design Course in Bali, including:
– Flight and accommodation for one representative
– Full course participation valued at USD 2,775 for all members of the winning team
– Global recognition through a printed and digital publication
– Development of the concept alongside world-class experts
– The opportunity to build your design as part of the 11-Day Build and Design Course in October 2026
Honorary Recognition:
The jury may award honorary mentions for outstanding entries, which will also be featured in the post-content publication.
Post-Contest Publication:
The winning entry and all honorary mentions will be showcased in a printed & digital book curated by Bamboo U and Base Bahay, featuring visuals, descriptive texts, insights from the jury, and credits for contributors. This amplifies long-term visibility within global sustainable design communities.
Judging & Evaluation Criteria
Entries are assessed against a strategic mix of design excellence and real-world impact principles:
– Bamboo as Main Material — sustainability and structural feasibility
– Affordability & Functional Programming
– Durability & Climate Resilience
– Scalability & Modularity
– Cultural Relevance & Community Engagement
Prizes:
Winner will see their design built at full scale during Bamboo U’s 11-Day Bamboo Build & Design Course in Bali, including:
– Flight and accommodation for one representative
– Full course participation valued at USD 2,775 for all members of the winning team
– Global recognition through a printed and digital publication
– Development of the concept alongside world-class experts
– The opportunity to build your design as part of the 11-Day Build and Design Course in October 2026
To find more details & Register visit HERE
LAST DATE OF REGISTRATION: 15 March 2026
LAST DATE OF SUBMISSION: 17 April 2026
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