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Floating Habitat Constructed With Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Sustainable Water Management Systems

Authors:
Aurora Maria Naddeo, Alessio Vicinanza
Floating Habitat Constructed With Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Sustainable Water Management Systems

Project in-detail

Comprising cross-laminated timber panels and a floating design, this compact dwelling integrates sustainable water management systems while maximizing comfort in a marine environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed on a floating platform, allowing for direct interaction with the marine environment.
02
Incorporates a slimline rainwater tank for efficient water management and conservation.
03
Features Kingspan Dri-Design panels that mimic the textures of aquatic life.
04
Utilizes cross-laminated timber for enhanced strength and sustainability.
05
Employs tubular skylights to maximize natural light while minimizing energy use.

## Overview
Mare Nostro is a 25m² dwelling positioned on a platform at sea, designed with a focus on sustainable housing. This project incorporates advanced sustainability protocols aimed at enhancing energy efficiency, optimizing water usage, and providing comfort in a marine environment. The design integrates principles from marine ecosystems, reflecting the dynamics of natural forms and textures throughout.

## Spatial Configuration and Versatility
The interior layout of the dwelling is characterized by efficient utilization of space, consisting of a multifunctional living/kitchen area, a sleeping area with flexible configurations, and a bathroom. The design articulates two distinct settings—daytime and nighttime—promoting social interaction while ensuring privacy. This adaptability ensures that the space can meet various user needs in different contexts. Sections AA and BB illustrate the effective use of natural light and ventilation, optimizing each area’s functionality while maintaining aesthetic harmony.

## Materiality and Environmental Integration
Mare Nostro employs a combination of innovative materials that contribute to both performance and aesthetic value. The structure is anchored on a wooden platform made of cross-laminated timber (CLT), providing stability and warmth. External cladding with Kingspan Dri-Design Panels creates dynamic visual effects echoing aquatic life, while large sections of tempered glass on the south façade facilitate natural light and prominent views of the water. Additional features such as a slimline rainwater tank for water management and Kingspan QuadCore LEC panels for high thermal insulation further underscore the project's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsiveness.

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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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