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Floating Dwellings Constructed with Local Timber and Sustainable Design Principles Along the River

Floating Dwellings Constructed with Local Timber and Sustainable Design Principles Along the River
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Constructed using local timber and designed for buoyancy, these floating dwellings offer adaptable living spaces that address the housing needs of digital nomads along Medellín's river.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced timber to minimize environmental impact.
02
Features flexible layouts to accommodate various living arrangements for occupants.
03
Utilizes solar panels integrated into the slanted roofs for energy efficiency.
04
Designed to float, allowing for adaptations to changing water levels.
05
Incorporates natural ventilation techniques to enhance indoor air quality.

### Project Overview

Located in Medellín, Colombia, the Nomad River project is designed to address the growing demand for housing among digital nomads and expatriates. As the city faces a housing crisis intensified by gentrification and an influx of transient residents, this initiative seeks to provide innovative housing solutions along the river that flows through the urban landscape. The concept emphasizes sustainability while ensuring accessibility to the city's cultural and recreational offerings.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Integration

The design features a series of floating units that utilize the river as a living space. These structures are intended to foster community interaction while accommodating individual needs. Each unit is designed to connect with adjacent homes, creating a cohesive living environment. The careful arrangement enhances communal living while maintaining personal space, offering a balanced approach to urban residency.

### Materiality and Sustainable Practices

Material selection is integral to the project's sustainability goals. Local wood is employed for its lightweight properties and thermal insulation, reducing reliance on external resources and supporting local timber markets. The integration of solar panels on slanted roofs enables energy independence by harnessing renewable energy. Additionally, engineered flotation systems ensure the structures remain buoyant, reflecting a design ethos that aligns with environmental considerations and innovative engineering tailored to the river's conditions.

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Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

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Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

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