Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Buoyant Living Spaces Constructed with EPS Floaters and Energy-Efficient Solar Integration

Author:
Michael Lydia H Koch
Buoyant Living Spaces Constructed with EPS Floaters and Energy-Efficient Solar Integration

Project in-detail

Constructed with buoyant EPS floaters and integrated solar technology, this mobile living solution offers a sustainable and versatile lifestyle for adaptable urban environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with lightweight Kingspan QuadCore panels for enhanced mobility.
02
Utilizes dual floaters made of solid EPS for buoyancy in water and stability on land.
03
Incorporates integrated solar panels for energy efficiency in various environments.
04
Features multi-functional interior design to maximize limited living space.
05
Designed for adaptable use across urban rooftops and natural landscapes.

## Overview and Conceptual Framework

Located in diverse environments ranging from urban centers to natural landscapes, the Traveler project introduces a sustainable mobile architecture concept through versatile tiny house designs. These units are engineered to facilitate a sustainable lifestyle while allowing for mobility across various geographical contexts, such as urban settings in London and New York, as well as tranquil locations like Banff National Park in Canada. By combining innovative design with ecological responsibility, the project addresses contemporary housing challenges.

## Iterative Design and Adaptability

The Traveler project is distinguished by three iterations, each tailored for specific environments. The **Traveler 1.0** design is situated above the Thames River in London, utilizing a zeppelin incorporating solar panels for energy. The **Traveler 2.0** is designed to float on an alpine lake, featuring dual floaters constructed from solid Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) and reinforced with a durable coating. Meanwhile, **Traveler 3.0** integrates into urban landscapes by occupying rooftop spaces, showcasing adaptability to varying terrains and urban settings.

## Material and Structural Innovations

The structural integrity of the Traveler units is achieved through the use of lightweight materials, including Kingspan insulated QuadCore panels and aluminum framing, providing robust support while remaining easy to transport. Energy efficiency is a priority, with solar panels facilitating energy neutrality and incorporated electric motors enhancing maneuverability. The interior layout prioritizes multifunctionality, with adaptable furniture and strategically positioned systems for wastewater management, batteries, and water tanks that optimize space and maintain stability. The industrial aesthetic, characterized by clear polycarbonate glazing and clean lines, fosters a direct connection with the surrounding environment while ensuring ample natural lighting.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy