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Floating Community Built from Recycled Plastic and Gray Water Systems Embracing Ecological Living

Floating Community Built from Recycled Plastic and Gray Water Systems Embracing Ecological Living
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Constructed from recycled plastic and integrated gray water systems, this floating community enhances ecological living while providing sustainable housing solutions for local fishermen.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a modular design that enhances communal living while maintaining individual privacy.
02
Incorporates reclaimed local plastics and gray water systems for sustainable resource management.
03
Features integrated hydroponic systems that promote food self-sufficiency within the community.
04
Constructed to adapt to rising water levels, ensuring resilience against environmental changes.
05
Promotes social cohesion through shared spaces and communal decks designed for gatherings.

### Project Overview
Econile is a floating microboating community situated in Cairo’s Nile River, designed specifically to address the environmental challenges and socio-economic needs of the local fishing community. With a focus on sustainability and community cohesion, the project aims to support approximately 1,000 fishermen and 4,000 farmers who face significant economic and environmental pressures. The architecture integrates sustainable living principles through the innovative use of recycled materials, contributing to the development of a resilient community.

### Material Innovation
The design prioritizes ecological responsibility through the careful selection of materials that promote sustainability. Recycled wood panels provide structural support and aesthetic appeal, while 3D printed components made from recycled plastic are utilized for hydroponic systems and decorative elements. Polycarbonate panels, known for their lightweight and durable properties, enhance natural light and energy efficiency in walls and roofing. Efficient gray water systems enable the recycling of used water for irrigation, complemented by water turbines to generate sustainable electricity. The incorporation of a hydroponic plantation system underscores a commitment to self-sufficiency by supporting food production within the community.

### Community-Focused Design
Employing a modular design approach, the project organizes housing units into clusters that foster social interaction through shared spaces. Each "microhome" features adaptable living areas optimized for small-space functionality, with sleeping and work spaces incorporated into lofts above. Shared decks serve as social hubs, fostering community bonding through gatherings and events. Smart systems, including solar panels and rainwater harvesting, support off-grid living, further enhancing the project's sustainability objectives. The overall layout and functionality reflect a dedication to creating an integrated village that emphasizes resource sharing and communal responsibilities.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025
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Design slow sauna in Iceland

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Design a concrete pavilion

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Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
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Design a story of your country

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Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

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Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

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Use architecture to create different emotional states

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Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

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Take a step and make a statement!

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Advance registration deadline 15 January 2026
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

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