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 Concrete and Aluminum Living Spaces on the Coast

Author:
Gengzhe Liu
Floating Concrete and Aluminum Living Spaces on the Coast
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
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.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

`
Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

Vancouver Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 5 November 2026
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 9 December 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 October 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 12 November 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 3 December 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a 50,000€ prize

50,000€ Prize / 2027 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 4 February 2027

Media, partners and clients

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