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Floating Community Living Through Prefabricated Steel Structures and Natural Filtration Systems

Author:
Pierre-césar Edouard Charles Nicolas Duroyon
Floating Community Living Through Prefabricated Steel Structures and Natural Filtration Systems

Project in-detail

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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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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