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Floating Community Living Through Prefabricated Steel Structures and Natural Filtration Systems

Floating Community Living Through Prefabricated Steel Structures and Natural Filtration Systems
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Using prefabricated steel structures and natural filtration systems, this floating community offers sustainable housing solutions along the Seine River, emphasizing resilience and environmental integration in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating units adapt to rising water levels, enhancing resilience against flooding.
02
Community gardens integrated within each housing cluster promote social interaction and sustainability.
03
Natural filtration systems are incorporated for water management, reducing environmental impact.
04
Prefabricated construction allows for rapid assembly and customization of living spaces.
05
Steel porticos support the structure while minimizing foundation disruption to the river ecosystem.

### Overview

Located along the Seine River in Paris, the Cité d’Avenir project addresses the challenges of climate change and urbanization while providing innovative housing solutions for the 2024 Olympic Games. The initiative emphasizes sustainable living and aims to redefine urban space, focusing on the integration of natural resources and minimizing the carbon footprint associated with urban development.

### Architectural Strategy

**Floating Structures and Community Engagement**
The design features a series of prefabricated floating units that can be transported and assembled with efficiency, allowing for flexibility in scale and arrangement while protecting the river’s ecosystem. Each unit incorporates essential amenities, including communal gardens and recreational spaces, fostering social interaction and community engagement among residents.

**Sustainable Materiality and Resource Management**
Key materials for construction include energy-efficient Kingspan insulation and steel porticos, which support the structure with minimal environmental impact. Natural filtration systems are employed within the units to promote water sustainability. The project also utilizes solar panels and a hydro-powered watermill for energy self-sufficiency, alongside rainwater harvesting systems to ensure a sustainable water supply. These integrated systems for wastewater treatment further enhance the project's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

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

`
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.

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