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Floating Concrete and Aluminum Living Spaces on the Coast

Author:
Gengzhe Liu
Floating Concrete and Aluminum Living Spaces on the Coast

Project in-detail

Constructed with floating concrete and adaptable aluminum components, the design offers compact living spaces that harmonize with the coastal landscape while promoting community interaction and sustainable living practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating design minimizes land use while integrating into the coastal environment.
02
Modular structure allows for various configurations to accommodate diverse living arrangements.
03
Utilizes floating concrete for stability and to reduce ecological impact on surrounding ecosystems.
04
Incorporates aluminum panels for flexibility and ease of assembly in coastal conditions.
05
Emphasizes community connectivity through communal spaces located at the center of the layout.

The Michome project is located on the coast of Isla Holbox, an area known for its beautiful natural surroundings. The design focuses on flexibility and sustainability, creating adaptable spaces that meet different needs of families and encourage connections among residents. With a foldable structure, the design is practical for its environment while providing functional living areas.

Structural Design

The layout spans just over 20 square meters, making efficient use of space. Essential living facilities like public activity areas, kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms are all included in this compact space. The arrangement allows for easy movement between areas while promoting a sense of community. Each space is thoughtfully layered and integrated, serving both private and communal purposes.

Configuration Models

Multiple configuration options are available to cater to various family types. Combination One encourages close relationships with a central leisure area that keeps entertainment zones separate to reduce noise and distractions. Combination Two accommodates larger families by providing individual private spaces while maintaining a shared living area. Combination Three offers layout choices for two unrelated families, balancing intimacy with personal privacy. Combination Four resembles a townhouse and allows for individual living quarters at the expense of shared community spaces.

Material Utilization

The selection of materials is both efficient and sustainable. Floating concrete serves as the foundation, allowing the structure to rest on water rather than land, thereby minimizing ecological impact. Steel elements are integrated to ensure the building’s strength and durability. Folding aluminum plates enhance the design's adaptability, making it simple to assemble and adjust according to the needs of its residents.

Final Design Detail

The Michome brings together practical living spaces and opportunities for community interaction. Each configuration supports individual privacy while fostering connections. Set against the backdrop of Isla Holbox's natural beauty, the design offers a living solution that aligns with this coastal environment, creating a place where people can thrive together.

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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
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