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Canvas Art Suspended Over Hydro-Powered Home by the Bear River

Author:
Tristan Clauson
Canvas Art Suspended Over Hydro-Powered Home by the Bear River

Project in-detail

Suspended on a bluff, a large canvas transforms a hydropowered home into a living art piece, echoing the flowing Bear River while promoting sustainable living for its residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
A large canvas for hyper-realistic artwork enhances the home's connection to nature.
02
The home generates energy from a hydro power system using the nearby river.
03
Turbines positioned on either side of the building facilitate renewable energy use.
04
Sustainable materials were selected to blend with the surrounding landscape.
05
The site plan incorporates views of the Bear River, emphasizing the natural environment.

Fluid Inspiration is a sustainable residential project situated along the banks of the Bear River in Idaho, USA. The design emphasizes the connection between people and nature, creating a living space that encourages ecological awareness. The home aims to blend with its environment while being a practical space for its inhabitants.

Hydro Power Utilization

The residence makes use of hydro power by redirecting water from the river into a small pond located in front of the house. The water flows through turbines positioned on either side of the building before returning to the river. This method of energy generation showcases a commitment to sustainable practices and reduces dependence on conventional energy sources. It underscores the importance of using local resources responsibly.

Artistic Integration

A key feature of Fluid Inspiration is the integration of large-scale art into the structure. A sizable canvas hangs from the bluff on which the house is built. This canvas displays hyper-realistic paintings that capture the beauty of water and its significance to the environment. This artistic element fosters reflection on the relationship between the built environment and the natural world, inviting residents and visitors to consider their place within it.

Material Selections

Materials chosen for the project are essential to its visual and functional character. The construction features dark gray anodized aluminum, gray stone veneer, white stucco, polished concrete, and dark gray carpet. These materials not only enhance the visual appeal of the home but also contribute to its durability and environmental goals. They resonate with the surrounding landscape, allowing the residence to integrate into its setting.

The design includes the large canvas as a focal point, encouraging ongoing artistic engagement. It reflects the river's movement and embodies the essence of the surrounding environment. This distinct feature enhances the relationship between the home and nature, strengthening the sense of place that defines Fluid Inspiration.

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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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