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Driftwood Resilience in a Floating Timber Community

Authors:
Linnéa Olsson, Martin Blivik, Jihyun Lee, Zhihao Han
Driftwood Resilience in a Floating Timber Community
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Constructed from timber and driftwood, the floating village prioritizes community resilience and sustainability while providing essential living spaces on water.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced timber and driftwood.
02
Floating structure designed to adapt to changing water levels.
03
Incorporates communal living spaces to foster social interaction.
04
Utilizes renewable energy systems to minimize reliance on external power.
05
Regular updates and communication systems enhance community preparedness.

M.A.S 2138 is a floating village designed to respond to the unique challenges of living on water. Located in the former Singapore Strait, the project blends functional spaces with essential community needs. The design concept focuses on resilience and adaptability, enabling people to thrive in an environment shaped by the sea and its changing conditions.

Community Resilience

At the heart of the design is the idea of community resilience. The layout features various living spaces that encourage interaction among residents. This sense of community support becomes vital during difficult times, allowing people to come together to face challenges. The architecture reflects a commitment to creating an environment where social ties help maintain stability and well-being.

Structural Integrity

Timber plays a significant role in the construction of the floating units, offering both strength and buoyancy. The project also utilizes scrap material and driftwood for repairs, demonstrating an awareness of environmental sustainability. By making use of available resources, the community shows its ability to adapt and maintain functionality even in changing conditions.

Sustainability and Self-Sufficiency

Power generation is a key feature of the design, supporting the community's drive for sustainability and self-sufficiency. A system of regular updates and communication helps prepare residents for unexpected challenges. This focus on maintaining essential services is crucial for the overall stability and functionality of village life.

Environmental Considerations

Positioned in a location influenced by fluctuating environmental conditions, the floating design allows for movement with the water's surface. This adaptability enables the community to respond to changing ecological circumstances effectively. The relationship between the built environment and natural elements enhances the project's capacity to accommodate life on water.

Shared spaces foster connections among residents, while substantial openings for ventilation create a comfortable living atmosphere. The thoughtful design takes into account both practicality and the well-being of those living within the floating village. It stands as an example of how architecture can respond directly to the demands of its environment.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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