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Elevated Habitat Solutions with Floating Islands for Urban Biodiversity

Authors:
Xiang xi Zeng, Qi hao Huang, Ze wen Wang, Rui bin Zhang
Elevated Habitat Solutions with Floating Islands for Urban Biodiversity

Project in-detail

Floating islands above Tokyo create interconnected habitats that counter urban habitat fragmentation, promoting biodiversity while facilitating natural animal behaviors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating islands utilize gravity equilibrium mechanisms to maintain balance and stability.
02
The design allows for spontaneous seasonal migrations of wildlife between elevated habitats.
03
Interconnected habitats promote biodiversity in an urban environment with limited space.
04
Human activities are separated from animal habitats, reducing urban disturbance.
05
The project emphasizes vertical space to create multiple layers of ecological interaction.

The design located in Tokyo, Japan, addresses the issue of habitat fragmentation caused by urban development. As the city continues to grow, natural habitats are disrupted, which affects local wildlife. The project proposes floating islands in a vertical space, creating interconnected habitats that aim to mitigate the effects of urban sprawl and enhance ecological sustainability.

Design Concept

The concept focuses on floating islands that provide specific habitats separate from human activities. By elevating these living spaces, the design allows animals to exist away from urban disturbances. The use of a gravity equilibrium mechanism is crucial; it maintains the structural stability of the islands while accommodating the natural movements of wildlife.

Material Considerations

The presentation does not specify particular materials, but it suggests a focus on lightweight and durable elements. These materials would need to ensure strength and stability, which are vital for the islands to withstand varying weights from animals and environmental factors. This consideration of materiality is key to achieving a workable solution in a dynamic urban setting.

Interconnected Ecosystems

The design promotes a network of floating islands that illustrates how vertical space can support multiple ecosystems. By utilizing a limited urban plot, the project creates numerous habitats that enhance biodiversity. As animals move between these elevated environments, they are able to engage in natural behaviors, reducing the impact of urbanization on their lives.

Human-Animal Dynamics

An important aspect of the design is its challenge to conventional views of urban environments, where humans dominate. Here, animals inhabit these elevated spaces, prompting a reevaluation of human-animal relationships. This perspective fosters greater understanding and respect for other species, emphasizing that humans are part of a broader ecological community.

The floating islands feature forms reminiscent of natural ecosystems, encouraging wildlife and plant life to thrive. This approach hints at a future where urban areas integrate ecological principles, creating environments beneficial for both humans and animals. Through thoughtful design, space can be made to support diverse life in cities.

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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

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