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Floating Cabins Made From Recycled Shipping Containers With Local Wood Rainscreens

Authors:
Alexander Brosh, Shannon Fitzgerald
Floating Cabins Made From Recycled Shipping Containers With Local Wood Rainscreens

Project in-detail

Constructed from recycled shipping containers, the floating cabins incorporate locally sourced wood rainscreens to create adaptable coastal accommodations that blend functionality with environmental sensitivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using recycled shipping containers for sustainability.
02
Floating foundation allows for placement in varying coastal conditions.
03
Locally sourced wood rainscreens enhance durability and aesthetics.
04
Modular design accommodates flexible configurations for different needs.
05
Public piers integrate accessibility and promote community interaction.

The Amber Road Cabins offer a practical response to coastal living through their focus on modularity, sustainability, and adaptability. Using recycled 20' shipping containers as the main building material, the design integrates these units into a habitat that efficiently meets the needs of its environment. The overall concept revolves around maximizing space and material use while providing comfortable accommodation for visitors.

Floating Foundation System

The cabins feature a floating foundation system that rests on a base made of concrete and styrofoam. This method ensures stability and durability while avoiding the complexities of traditional foundations. Locating the units in the water allows for adaptable placement that can respond to the varying characteristics of coastal areas.

Material Aesthetic

Partially enclosing each cabin is a rainscreen made from wood sourced locally. This element protects the containers from harsh weather while allowing their vibrant colors to remain visible. The mix of natural wood and industrial metal offers a pleasing contrast, which meets both functional needs and aesthetic preferences.

Modular Configuration

The design permits an easy addition or removal of four-bed units according to site requirements. Each cabin is constructed at a central facility, making it possible to transport the units by boat to their final locations. This approach lowers transportation costs and enables quicker installation, making the cabins versatile for different situations.

Public Interaction

Cabins are anchored to piers that extend from the beach, allowing for a connection between public and semi-private spaces. These piers not only provide access to the cabins but also encourage an engaging experience for visitors with their surroundings. This aspect reflects a mindful approach to integrating the structures into the coastal landscape.

The thoughtful pairing of natural wood with shipping containers adds to the overall design, enhancing the cabins' visual character while emphasizing sustainability.

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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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