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Buoyant Flood-Resistant Design Featuring Acacia Wood and Reflective Cladding for Enhanced Sustainability

Authors:
Jordan Lutren, Laura Ross
Buoyant Flood-Resistant Design Featuring Acacia Wood and Reflective Cladding for Enhanced Sustainability
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Elevated above potential floodwaters, a buoyant structure crafted from Acacia wood and shielded by reflective cladding provides resilient housing solutions in a flood-prone region.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated buoyant structure allows for natural water flow during flooding events.
02
Constructed with sustainably sourced Acacia wood for durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Reflective metal cladding enhances energy efficiency and minimizes heat absorption.
04
Modular design facilitates flexible assembly and adaptation to site conditions.
05
Incorporates solar panels to support renewable energy usage.

The Crest House is an architectural project designed to address the challenges associated with flooding in low-lying areas. Situated in a floodplain region bordering Nebraska and Iowa, the design exemplifies a strategic response to climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. The project emphasizes resilience through innovative architectural solutions that promote both safety and sustainability for its inhabitants.

Adaptive Elevation and Resilience Strategies

One of the most notable aspects of the Crest House is its elevation strategy. The design incorporates a buoyant structural system that raises the living space above potential floodwaters. As a result, the house adapts to rising water levels without compromising the safety of the occupants. This elevation not only protects the house during flooding events but also offers expansive views of the surrounding landscape.

The architectural design integrates local materials, notably Acacia wood and sustainably sourced plywood, promoting a low environmental impact. The use of reflective metal cladding enhances thermal performance while creating a modern aesthetic. Additionally, high-performance insulation materials and large glass panels facilitate energy efficiency while maximizing natural light within the dwelling.

Sustainable Features and Modular Design

Crest House places significant emphasis on sustainability through the incorporation of renewable energy sources. The design includes solar panels, allowing the house to generate its own electricity and reduce reliance on non-renewable power grids. A modular design approach enables flexible construction, facilitating easy assembly and disassembly as needed.

Interior spaces are carefully organized for functionality, with a layout that includes essential areas such as the kitchen, living room, and private bedrooms. This configuration optimizes the use of space while ensuring a cohesive flow throughout the home. The double-height living area creates an open ambiance, providing a sense of spaciousness while connecting occupants to their environment.

For readers interested in understanding the technical details and comprehensive vision of the Crest House, further exploration of the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs is encouraged. An in-depth review of the architectural ideas behind the project will provide a more detailed understanding of how this design meets both aesthetic and functional requirements in a flood-prone region.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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