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

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Competition organisers

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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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