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Floating Cottages with Seaweed Insulation in a Scandinavian Fishing Village

Authors:
Cecilie Brandt Nielsen, Lea Skov Andersen
Floating Cottages with Seaweed Insulation in a Scandinavian Fishing Village

Project in-detail

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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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
competition now

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