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 Resiliently Crafted with Modular Cross-Laminated Timber Panels

Authors:
Luis alejandro Morales mendoza, Patricio andrés Zamora montes, Leandro leonel Quilodrán mendoza
Floating Community Resiliently Crafted with Modular Cross-Laminated Timber Panels

Project in-detail

Crafted from modular cross-laminated timber panels, the floating community integrates sustainable living with marine resilience, addressing urban housing needs while promoting social interaction among residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted from modular cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural efficiency.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for improved durability and weather resistance.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design that optimizes space and aesthetics.
04
Engineered to adapt to rising sea levels with buoyant foundations.
05
Promotes community interaction through strategically designed shared spaces.

The architectural project focuses on a floating city designed to address the housing crisis in San Francisco. This innovative approach utilizes the water's surface to create a new urban environment, accommodating affordable housing and communal spaces. The design responds to challenges such as land scarcity and climate change, aiming to provide sustainable living options for diverse populations. The architecture not only serves a residential purpose but also promotes social interaction and community building, integrating recreational areas and public amenities seamlessly into the overall layout.

Unique Design Approaches and Housing Flexibility

This project distinguishes itself from conventional housing developments through its modular floating structures. The design incorporates adaptable residential units that accommodate varying family sizes and lifestyles. The use of materials such as concrete, expanded polystyrene, timber, and glass ensures durability, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal while enhancing the project's ability to float and withstand environmental challenges. The incorporation of solar panels aligns with contemporary energy efficiency standards, making the project environmentally responsive.

The architectural design emphasizes community engagement by featuring public realms like parks and communal gathering spots. This encourages interaction among residents while promoting a sense of belonging. The spatial organization prioritizes accessibility and mobility, bringing in design elements such as transport connectivity to the mainland.

Environmental Integration and Resilience

The project contains significant attention to environmental considerations, with a focus on minimizing ecological impact. The floating city design allows for adaptive responses to rising sea levels and flooding, offering resilient living solutions amid climate uncertainties. The architecture reflects a commitment to integrating with marine ecosystems, ensuring that the built environment enhances rather than disrupts natural habitats.

To explore more about the architectural plans, designs, and sections of this floating city concept, readers are encouraged to delve into the project presentations. These insights will provide a comprehensive understanding of how this design reflects contemporary architectural ideas while addressing pressing housing needs.

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