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Cross-Laminated Timber Units Floating Above Water With Sustainable Infrastructure

Authors:
Suhjin Jung, Hyojeong Choi
Cross-Laminated Timber Units Floating Above Water With Sustainable Infrastructure

Project in-detail

Modular floating units constructed with cross-laminated timber and sustainable materials create resilient living spaces while adapting to rising water levels in a riverine environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units allow for easy reconfiguration based on community needs.
02
Floating platforms enable adaptation to changing water levels for stability.
03
Cross-laminated timber enhances structural integrity while reducing environmental impact.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide natural resistance against weather elements.
05
Community gardens integrate green spaces into shared areas for resident engagement.

**Project Overview**
The residential complex "Floating: Link Region to World" is positioned beneath the Sogang Bridge, strategically located to connect local neighborhoods with broader urban ecosystems. Designed with a focus on adaptability, this project addresses contemporary challenges such as urban housing shortages and rising water levels by employing floating platforms that respond to environmental conditions. The intent is to create a communal living space that fosters social interaction and enhances community engagement while offering solutions for sustainable urban living.

**Spatial Strategy and Community Integration**
The design incorporates a modular system of floating units that emphasize flexibility in both function and design. Each residential module can accommodate varying household sizes and lifestyles, maximizing space efficiency while ensuring comfort. Central to the layout are shared spaces, including leisure areas and gardens, which encourage social interactions among residents. Pathways facilitate movement between private units and communal facilities, enhancing connectivity and accessibility. The vertical arrangement of the modules promotes natural ventilation while providing diverse views of the surrounding waterway.

**Material Selection and Sustainability Practices**
Material choices are guided by the need for durability and environmental suitability. Reinforced concrete provides structural strength, while wood introduces a warm aesthetic and complements the aquatic setting. Glass elements in the facade facilitate natural light and views, enhancing the indoor-outdoor experience. The incorporation of metal frameworks adds robustness, and sustainable insulation materials promote energy efficiency in the residential units. Additionally, the project includes technologies such as rainwater harvesting and solar panels to achieve energy independence and effective resource management. This integrated approach to materiality and sustainability establishes a model for future developments in similar contexts.

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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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