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Coconut Structures Enhanced by Solar Cooling and Natural Fiber Elements for Sustainable Community Living

Author:
Kenton Knowles
Coconut Structures Enhanced by Solar Cooling and Natural Fiber Elements for Sustainable Community Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing coconut for structural elements alongside solar cooling systems and natural fiber materials, this community habitat fosters sustainable living while harmonizing with its tropical environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Coconut serves as a primary structural element, enhancing sustainability.
02
Solar cooling towers harness natural convection for climate control.
03
Natural fiber materials are woven into the design for eco-friendliness.
04
Flexible space arrangements adapt to communal and individual needs.
05
The layout incorporates functional gardens for food production and resource management.

Gloasis is an architectural design project conceived for a community of planetary hunter-gatherers, situated on a tropical island. This project emphasizes self-sustainability, ecological balance, and communal living, integrating modern technology with natural resources to create a unique habitat. The architecture is designed to harmonize with the landscape while addressing the practical needs of its inhabitants.

The project embodies principles of resilience and adaptability, promoting a lifestyle where technology supports and enhances traditional living practices. Each structural element is carefully planned, emphasizing efficient use of materials and energy resources. The layout fosters a sense of community, allowing residents to collaborate in agricultural and ecological ventures essential for their survival.

Design Approaches that Differentiate Gloasis

Gloasis employs a distinctive organic architectural form that mimics natural shapes found in the local environment. This aesthetic choice not only aligns with the community's ecological philosophy but also enhances airflow, crucial for comfort in a tropical climate. The buildings feature rounded edges and central communal spaces, facilitating interaction among residents while reducing the visual impact on the landscape.

Key design features include residential units that promote communal living without sacrificing privacy. The non-linear arrangement of the structures encourages a natural flow of movement, reflecting the surrounding terrain. The inclusion of farming areas, fishing zones, and foraging spaces highlights a commitment to self-sufficiency. By integrating functional gardens and water systems into the layout, Gloasis ensures that community members can engage directly with their food sources.

Innovative Features and Sustainability Initiatives

One remarkable aspect of Gloasis is its use of local materials, which enhance the project’s sustainability profile. Key materials include coconut for structural purposes and natural fiber materials for non-structural elements. Solar technologies, such as solar electric panels and solar cooling towers, are incorporated to minimize reliance on external energy sources. The design also integrates advanced waste management systems, including septic treatment tanks and methane cookers, to ensure effective recycling of waste.

The overall architecture supports flexible usage of spaces, with multifunctional areas that adapt to various needs, such as work and living. This adaptability aligns with the glomadic lifestyle, allowing for a seamless transition between communal and individual activities.

To further explore the various aspects of Gloasis, including architectural plans, sections, and designs, interested readers are encouraged to engage with the project presentation. This exploration will provide deeper insights into its innovative architectural ideas and the thoughtful design processes that contributed to this sustainable living environment.

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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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