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

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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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