Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Floating Community Built With QuadCore Panels and Recycled Wood For Sustainable Living

Author:
Pedro Manuel Lucas Freire
Floating Community Built With QuadCore Panels and Recycled Wood For Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with QuadCore panels and recycled wood, this floating community integrates aquaponic systems and modular designs to promote sustainability and environmental education.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with QuadCore panels to enhance energy efficiency and durability.
02
Utilizes a 2000-liter slimline tank for effective water collection and filtration.
03
Incorporates waste interceptor technology for on-site debris management.
04
Features modular living units designed for flexibility and community interaction.
05
Integrates aquaponic systems to promote self-sufficient food production within the community.

## Overview

Edu-Paludarium is situated on polluted waterways and is designed as a floating community that emphasizes sustainable living and community education. The initiative seeks to address environmental challenges, particularly plastic waste, while fostering a culture of ecological stewardship among residents. This project operates within a framework that promotes both action against environmental degradation and educational opportunities focused on the importance of clean waterways.

## Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The layout of Edu-Paludarium incorporates micro-units that maximize space efficiency while ensuring comfort. Each unit includes essential living spaces such as bedrooms, bathrooms, and communal areas that facilitate educational activities and social interaction. Aquaponic systems are integrated within the design, enabling residents to grow vegetables and raise fish, thereby promoting self-sufficiency. Additionally, community spaces, including terraces and gardens, are strategically placed to encourage participation and collaboration among residents, creating an engaged community atmosphere.

## Material Choices and Sustainability

The architectural design employs sustainable materials that reflect the project’s commitment to environmental responsibility. The use of QuadCore KS100RWW LEC roofing panels provides lightweight, energy-efficient solutions while QuadCore AWP LEC insulating wall panels utilize recycled wood for thermal insulation, reducing overall environmental impact. A 2000-litre water collection tank, alongside the incorporation of advanced waste interceptor technology, establishes a self-sustaining system for irrigation and waste management. These elements combined with innovative multifunctional spaces, such as retractable privacy screens, enhance adaptability, allowing the area to serve various community needs and activities efficiently.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy