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Floating Cottages with Seaweed Insulation in a Scandinavian Fishing Village

Floating Cottages with Seaweed Insulation in a Scandinavian Fishing Village
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Utilizing seaweed for insulation and incorporating floating design principles, this sustainable development in Henningsvær offers modular cabins that harmonize with the marine environment while serving as a hub for local aquaculture practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes seaweed as an innovative insulation material.
02
Features modular cabins designed to adapt to tidal changes.
03
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency.
04
Emphasizes local aquaculture practices through dedicated fishing spaces.
05
Designed to harmonize visually and ecologically with the marine environment.

### Overview

Located in Henningsvær within the Lofoten archipelago in Norway, Aale-Græs Hytta addresses the environmental challenges posed by climate change, particularly rising sea levels. The project is conceived as a series of floating structures designed to support aquaculture communities, integrating sustainable living practices with local marine ecosystems. The intention is to foster a relationship between habitation and the natural environment, reflecting both cultural heritage and ecological stewardship.

### Structural and Material Strategy

Aale-Græs Hytta features modular, floating cabins that adjust to tidal changes, inspired by traditional Norwegian fishing huts. The primary materials employed include sustainably sourced wood for the structural framework, glass for natural light and views, and steel for durability against marine conditions. Notably, seaweed is innovatively utilized for insulation and aesthetic appeal, emphasizing local practices. Efforts are made to incorporate recycled materials to minimize the project's ecological footprint.

### Sustainable Practices

The design prioritizes energy efficiency through systems such as heat pumps that leverage temperature differentials of the sea and air, in addition to integrating solar panels for renewable energy generation. Rainwater harvesting systems are implemented to provide potable water, enhancing resource efficiency. Furthermore, designated fishing areas and the cultivation of aquatic plants, including seaweed, are incorporated to sustain local practices and promote marine biodiversity, thus maintaining ecological balance within the region.

### Technical Systems

Technical documentation outlines advanced systems for energy-efficient living in a marine setting. Comprehensive heating solutions combine traditional and modern methods to ensure comfortable living spaces while minimizing energy use. Innovative water systems convert seawater into potable water, demonstrating how technology can support sustainable practices in coastal environments.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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