K-Studio's Bamboo-Roofed Rammed-Earth Community Center Wins 2026 Kaira Looro Competition
The Kaira Looro Architecture Competition 2026, hosted by Balouo Salo, recognized a bamboo-roofed community center as the top entry, crafted by K-Studio's Afroditi Ioannidou and Vladimir Gligorovski from Greece. This project, aimed at rural southern Senegal, draws inspiration from traditional impluvium homes, featuring a sweeping bamboo roof that encircles an open communal area. The design incorporates a library, study space, community area, workshop, and service zones, all oriented towards a central clearing. Locally sourced bamboo and rammed-earth materials will be used for construction. The second prize was awarded to Poland's Marta Kuczynska and Jakub Czak, while a team from Colombia secured third place. The winning design will be realized as part of the prize.
Key facts
- First prize in the 2026 Kaira Looro Architecture Competition awarded to K-Studio's Afroditi Ioannidou and Vladimir Gligorovski.
- The winning design is a community center for rural southern Senegal, inspired by traditional impluvium houses.
- The center features a sweeping bamboo roof, rammed-earth walls, and passive ventilation.
- Construction will use locally harvested bamboo and laterite soil, with methods accessible to local communities.
- The competition was organized by humanitarian nonprofit Balouo Salo.
- Second prize: Marta Kuczynska and Jakub Czak (Poland).
- Third prize: Colombian team (Karol Eliana Cuellar Narváez, Jhuliana Giraldo, Juan Sebastian Piedrahita, Juan Santiago Uribe, Oscar Valencia).
- The winning project is set to be constructed as part of the award.
Entities
Artists
- Afroditi Ioannidou
- Vladimir Gligorovski
- Marta Kuczynska
- Jakub Czak
- Karol Eliana Cuellar Narváez
- Jhuliana Giraldo
- Juan Sebastian Piedrahita
- Juan Santiago Uribe
- Oscar Valencia
Institutions
- K-Studio
- Kaira Looro Architecture Competition
- Balouo Salo
Locations
- Senegal
- Casamance