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Concrete Foundations Underwater: A Family Retreat On An Asteroid

Authors:
Zhuofan Ma, Yicong Shan
Concrete Foundations Underwater: A Family Retreat On An Asteroid

Project in-detail

An underwater conference room anchored by concrete and a family retreat located on an asteroid highlight a design that merges imaginative living with practical functionality.
5 key facts about this project
01
Family retreat located on an asteroid.
02
Underwater conference room anchored in concrete.
03
Virtual design allows unlimited customization of spaces.
04
Integration of urban living within a high-rise structure in New York City.
05
Personalized environment reflecting individual homeowner narratives.

The design explores innovative domestic environments through the use of virtual and augmented reality technologies. It allows homeowners to customize their living spaces to reflect their unique lifestyles. By challenging the traditional role of the architect, the concept encourages active participation in the design process. As a result, spaces are created that feel personal and meaningful to those who inhabit them.

Urban Setting

One aspect of the design features a virtual law firm located in New York City, integrated within a high-rise building. This urban context combines both residential and professional spaces. It creates opportunities for interactions with neighbors and contributes to a sense of community. The design promotes adaptability, allowing the homeowner to organize the space based on personal needs and daily routines.

Underwater Conference Room

Another element includes an underwater conference room, featuring a concrete base that anchors it to the seafloor. This distinctive setting reflects the homeowner's long-standing fascination with the ocean. The conference room serves a practical purpose for business meetings while offering an engaging backdrop. The aquatic environment enhances the work experience, merging personal interests with professional life.

Vacation Home on an Asteroid

The design also imagines a vacation home located on a large asteroid, bringing a sense of adventure and exploration. This unique setting provides a retreat for family gatherings while emphasizing personal connections. The spatial arrangement is designed to facilitate interactions, creating an atmosphere of togetherness amid an imaginative backdrop.

Such virtual environments illustrate how architecture can adapt to individual stories and everyday needs. Every detail invites a deeper relationship between the user and their space, making it a home that resonates uniquely with those who live there.

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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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