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 With Circular Water Recycling and Yacht-Inspired Design

Author:
Francesca Di giacomo
Floating Community With Circular Water Recycling and Yacht-Inspired Design

Project in-detail

With its innovative circular water recycling system and yacht-inspired design, the houseboat offers a unique modular living solution that fosters community engagement on water.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular design allows for easy connectivity with other microhomes.
02
Circular water recycling system enhances sustainability.
03
Yacht-inspired layout maximizes comfort in limited space.
04
Dual-level structure provides distinct areas for social and private activities.
05
Floating support system ensures stability and adaptability on water.

The HB-01 (Houseboat Modular) offers a modern approach to living on water. It combines modular design with sustainability to create a unique microhome experience. Positioned on a floating platform, it allows for connections with other similar units, which promotes community interaction. The overall concept draws inspiration from yacht interiors, emphasizing both functionality and comfort within limited space.

Architectural Concept

The design of the HB-01 focuses on flexibility and practicality. The layout is structured to encourage both social interaction and private time. On the first floor, shared spaces allow for gatherings and community activities. In contrast, the second floor serves as private living areas, ensuring residents have their own retreat. This arrangement caters to the needs of modern living, where people value both connection and privacy.

Sustainability Features

A key highlight of the HB-01 is its innovative circular water recycling system. This design feature reuses water from the bath sink, emphasizing a commitment to sustainability. By integrating such eco-friendly practices, the houseboat addresses environmental concerns while also allowing for efficient resource management in a residential setting.

Material Considerations

While the presentation does not provide specific details about materials, the design suggests an emphasis on lightweight and durable options, ideal for floating structures. Elements inspired by yacht design likely influence material choices, focusing on both usability and visual appeal.

Large windows and openings are designed to invite natural light and fresh air into the living space. This promotes a connection to the surrounding environment while enhancing the overall quality of life inside the houseboat. Carefully arranged spaces highlight a balance between comfort and environmental consideration, reflecting current trends in contemporary living.

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