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Biomimetic Design Featuring Aquaponic Systems and Sustainable Materials for Urban Living

Authors:
Alvaro Arranz, Vicky Chan
Biomimetic Design Featuring Aquaponic Systems and Sustainable Materials for Urban Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating aquaponic systems and biomimetic design, the structure utilizes sustainable materials to create a resilient urban living solution that harmonizes with its aquatic environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates aquaponic systems for sustainable food production.
02
Features a bent A-frame design that enhances structural integrity.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for efficient construction.
04
Includes charred wooden shingles for improved durability and aesthetics.
05
Designed for resilience against rising sea levels in an aquatic environment.

## Analytical Report on Rig Zero Architectural Design Project

Rig Zero is located in Dubai, a rapidly urbanizing city that juxtaposes modernity with its cultural heritage. The design concept integrates advanced sustainable practices within an aquatic environment while addressing the challenges posed by climate change and rising sea levels. It serves as a contemporary residential development that emphasizes resilience and a balanced interaction between human habitats and natural ecosystems.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Engagement

The layout consists of interconnected towers designed to foster community interaction and promote a holistic living experience. These spatial configurations create inviting public areas, such as communal rooftops and shared gardens, which encourage social gatherings and enhance the sense of belonging among residents. Additionally, rooftop farming not only contributes to local food production but also integrates green spaces into the urban setting, thereby enriching both ecological and community well-being.

### Material and Sustainability Practices

The project utilizes a range of advanced eco-friendly materials to ensure sustainability throughout its design. A robust steel framework offers structural stability, while glass facades enhance transparency and provide ample natural light. Photovoltaic panels and wind turbines are incorporated for energy efficiency, aiming toward a net-zero energy output. Unique features such as algae and soil tanks support both food production and wastewater management, further reinforcing the commitment to environmental stewardship. Rainwater harvesting systems complement these efforts, ensuring the reuse of natural precipitation in support of the building's ecological goals.

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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

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
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