Karawitz

Bamboomero is an fastening system for bamboo structures that enables the construction of modular three-dimensional frameworks in a simple, economical and adaptable way. Despite bamboo’s excellent mechanical and ecological properties, it remains difficult to assemble due to its hollow and irregular shape. Karawitz, which has worked on several occasions in regions where bamboo grows abundantly, developed this system as part of Mayotte Call for applications. The system is based on a hollow metal partial sphere, perforated with multiple holes into which threaded rods attached to the bamboo are inserted. These rods are secured with nuts inside the sphere. Ultimately, the goal is to democratize bamboo construction by offering a simple, flexible, lightweight and reproducible fastening system adapted to local resources.

Building on the collaboration initiated in 2024, this project is the result of a collective effort shaped by numerous models, prototypes, and passionate exchanges. This year, the Pan’Auditorium returns to the Grand Palais: larger, more slender, and lighter. The use of LVL panels has enabled a 30% reduction in material consumption, while 90% of the elements from the previous edition have been reused. Very few machines were required for on-site assembly, and dismantling was even carried out by hand — a rare luxury in these often high-pressure phases, where every minute and every piece of equipment counts. But a project is not defined solely by its images: it is also built through exchanges, design, fabrication, logistics, assembly, and dismantling. A strong demonstration that doing well also means doing simply—and doing it together.

To celebrate its 15th edition, Karawitz has been entrusted with the scenographic design of this major event dedicated to timber and bio-based construction. The Pan’Auditorium returns taller and slimmer, with its modular LVL structure, now capable of hosting over 300 conference participants. The Forum’s emerging installations, such as the Douglas Bouquets, the Wood Cascade, and the Lens Pavilion, are the result of collaborations between students, engineers, architects, and artists. They punctuate an immersive journey through themed villages, offering encounters, innovation, and discovery in a space conceived as a true landscape to explore.

Conferences and round tables organized as part of the Forum:

25 February 15:45 – Bamboomero – serving structural modularity
17:00 – Forum emergences, round table

26 February 09:00 – Plywood mornings: The Pan’Auditorium, the first French LVL construction site
14:30 – Women in the Forum, Divia

27 February 09:00 – Snowflakes, the mountain! Architectural transformation of a mid-mountain territory after the disappearance of its ski resort
11:00 – Passive design for all: the single-family home as a laboratory for passive projects
14:45 – Collective intelligence for sustainable reconstruction – Call for contributions, Mayotte

On January 30, Milena Karanesheva spoke at the Klimahouse Congress in Bolzano, a major European event dedicated to sustainable construction, with a lecture titled “Architektur im Spannungsfeld der Ströme” (Architecture at the Intersection of Flows).

Drawing on several projects and case studies, her presentation offered a concrete reading of architecture as an interface between different flows—energy, economic, and social—while questioning the ability of architectural design to address contemporary challenges without compromising quality standards. Her talk was grounded in practice and echoed KARAWITZ’s ongoing reflections on models of sustainable architecture at the European scale.

Following the remarkable success of the 14th edition, the Pan’Auditorium returns as the plenary hall for the upcoming edition, achieving a 30% reduction in material use thanks to a new structure made of French LVL panels, and 100% reuse enabled by the logistics support of Apprentis d’Auteuil.

A full-scale 1:1 prototype was built in the Méha Charpente workshops, with the participation of France Poutres and Groupe Thébault. Many thanks and congratulations to everyone involved !

From October 20 to 23, we had the pleasure of supporting CNDB and CCA BTP during this immersion in the heart of Vorarlberg, a benchmark region for timber architecture and sustainable construction. Designed by Milena Karanesheva, this journey went beyond visiting buildings: it was conceived as a genuine experience of exchange and encounters with local stakeholders. Particular attention was given to learning, enabling a deeper understanding of the links between education, construction culture, and architectural quality.
An inspiring moment, fostering the sharing of practices and the exploration of innovative models for the industry.

On the occasion of the “Apéro Paille” organized in March 2025 by 3F Normandie as part of the “Appel Paille” initiative, Milena Karanesheva spoke about the complementarities between bio-based materials. Over a 45-minute session, she shared KARAWITZ’s experience regarding the challenges of housing in the future and the concrete solutions offered by straw construction.

In a convivial format that encouraged exchange, the event brought together different perspectives and helped enrich reflections on more sustainable construction approaches. Many thanks to Forall Studio for the invitation and to all the stakeholders involved in this collective dynamic.

The Trilogis house is a finalist in the 2025 National Off-Site Construction Awards in the “Living” category.

Scales and practices of sustainable development
Joint event at Expo Osaka 2025 – “Designing Future Society for Our Lives
Conference by Milena KARANESHEVA and Mischa WITZMANN, KARAWITZ