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Buoyant Sustainable Structure With Modular Plastic Elements and Natural Ventilation

Authors:
Son Sukyoung , Gayoung Yoon, Seihoon Lim, Seohyun Lee
Buoyant Sustainable Structure With Modular Plastic Elements and Natural Ventilation

Project in-detail

A floating structure constructed with buoyant foundations and sustainable plastic elements, designed to adapt to changing environmental conditions while providing a harmonious living space in the Hawaiian Islands.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating structure designed to adapt to seasonal changes in water levels.
02
Utilizes modular garden elements to enhance local biodiversity.
03
Constructed with locally sourced sustainable plastic for buoyancy.
04
Incorporates extensive natural ventilation through strategically placed openings.
05
Reflects traditional Hawaiian architectural principles in its design form.

# Analytical Report on the Leaf House Architectural Design Project

## Overview

The Leaf House is positioned in the Hawaiian Islands amidst rising sea levels and environmental challenges affecting coastal communities. The design aims to create a floating dwelling that adapts to its natural aquatic surroundings, prioritizing environmental sustainability and modern living. This project addresses critical issues posed by climate change, serving as a prototype for future residential solutions in vulnerable coastal areas.

## Spatial Organization and Adaptive Design

The Leaf House consists of two distinct structural components: a primary buoyant foundation made of concrete and an auxiliary pontoon system constructed from sustainable plastics. This bifurcated structure is designed for adaptability, allowing for modifications based on environmental conditions. The pontoon framework can be adjusted to alter the permanence and connection between the elements, facilitating an evolving spatial organization that responds to seasonal changes and vegetation variations in the garden area.

The internal layout is optimized for functionality, with spaces including a kitchen, bedroom, and restroom arranged to enhance user experience. The orientation of these spaces is strategically aligned with the sun's movement, promoting natural ventilation and reducing energy consumption. This approach fosters an interaction with the surrounding environment, embodied in features such as roof openings and strategically placed windows that maximize daylight exposure.

## Material Selection and Sustainability

Material choices for the Leaf House emphasize ecological responsibility without compromising structural integrity or aesthetic appeal. The foundation utilizes durable concrete for buoyancy, while the pontoon elements incorporate lightweight and resilient sustainable plastics, ensuring adaptability over time. Locally sourced materials are integrated into the design to reinforce connection to the local culture and environment.

The design incorporates features that promote environmental monitoring and interaction, such as technology for tracking sunlight and weather changes. This functionality empowers residents to engage proactively with their environment, supporting a lifestyle attuned to natural rhythms and cycles. The fluid garden design allows for reconfiguration in response to maritime conditions, reinforcing the project's commitment to sustainable living in harmony with nature.

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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

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