Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Cross-Laminated Timber Floating Homes Supporting Aquaculture in Marine Environments

Author:
ThỊ LỢi TẠ
Cross-Laminated Timber Floating Homes Supporting Aquaculture in Marine Environments

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber and sustainable practices, the floating residential community incorporates aquaculture systems within a circular layout, promoting environmental harmony and resilient living in Ha Long Bay.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes floating modular units to adapt to changing water levels.
02
Incorporates integrated aquaculture systems for sustainable food production.
03
Features circular layouts that mimic natural water formations.
04
Employs recycled materials for enhanced environmental performance.
05
Employs natural ventilation techniques to minimize energy use.

## Overview

The development of a floating community in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, addresses critical challenges associated with climate change, particularly rising sea levels. This project seeks to establish a sustainable living environment that supports both human habitation and ecological systems, fitting within the context of increasing global vulnerabilities due to coastal erosion and urban flooding.

### Spatial Strategy and Urban Integration

The design features a unique floating architectural approach, minimizing land use while promoting interaction with the aquatic environment. Rather than traditional grid layouts, the community is organized around organic, circular configurations that reflect the natural contours of the bay, fostering connectivity among residents. Communal spaces are strategically positioned to enhance social interaction, while private living areas ensure individual privacy. The elevated structures mitigate flooding risks and are designed to accommodate marine biodiversity, enhancing the overall resilience of the habitat.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Material choices in this project emphasize sustainability and ecological responsibility. Recycled polyurethane foam is used for insulation, derived from waste products and supporting the circular economy. Bamboo provides a renewable structural solution, while cross-laminated timber (CLT) ensures both strength and a reduced carbon footprint. Photovoltaic panels are integrated for energy generation, reinforcing the community's commitment to renewable energy sources. Additionally, water harvesting systems are implemented to reduce dependence on external water supplies, contributing to the community's self-sufficiency. Natural materials, such as vegetation-adorned wall panels, further enhance the connection to the surrounding environment and promote environmental wellness.

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