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 Dwellings Crafted with Untreated Timber and Expansive Glass Facades for Eco-Friendly Living

Authors:
Luigi Pezzella, Cherubino Gambardella, Concetta Tavoletta
Floating Dwellings Crafted with Untreated Timber and Expansive Glass Facades for Eco-Friendly Living

Project in-detail

Elevated above the water on sustainable pontoons, these floating houses utilize untreated timber and expansive glass facades, creating a harmonious living environment that fosters community engagement while respecting ecological principles.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating structure minimizes land disruption while enhancing waterway aesthetics.
02
Construction utilizes untreated timber to connect with the natural environment.
03
Large glass facades maximize natural light and provide panoramic views.
04
Renewable energy systems ensure sustainability and self-sufficiency.
05
Modular units promote flexible living arrangements and communal spaces.

## Project Overview

The design encompasses a series of floating houses situated in a location characterized by waterways and varied topography. The intent is to create sustainable and self-sufficient living units that integrate with the natural landscape while reflecting local cultural practices. The overall architectural approach emphasizes environmental compatibility, aligning modern design principles with regional context.

## Spatial Organization and Community Interaction

The modular layout of the floating houses is strategically designed to promote adaptability and foster community relationships. Individual units are arranged in a grid configuration, allowing for efficient movement throughout the site and balancing private living spaces with shared communal areas. This design encourages interaction among residents while maintaining personal privacy.

## Material Selection and Environmental Integration

Key elements of the design include a distinct material palette that enhances the aesthetic and functional qualities of the houses. Predominantly untreated timber is utilized, establishing a strong connection to the natural surroundings, while extensive glass facades facilitate natural lighting and panoramic views. Concrete components provide necessary structural support and enhance the durability of the floating homes. This combination of materials achieves a visual coherence that respects the environment while supporting the architectural objectives.

## Sustainability and Adaptability Features

The project emphasizes sustainability through the incorporation of renewable energy sources such as geothermal heating and solar panels, reinforcing its commitment to ecological stewardship. The modular design allows for flexible configurations to accommodate diverse family sizes and lifestyles, with interior spaces optimized for multifunctionality. Accessibility to the water adds a recreational dimension to the living experience, further enhancing the quality of life for residents.

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

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy