Get inspired!

17,249 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Floating Habitat Constructed with Sustainable Insulation Panels and Modular Timber Solutions for Climate Resilience

Authors:
Cezary Marek Kostecki, Jan Kusznieruk, Maksymiliansky Plewa, Szymon Ignacy Krejtz
Floating Habitat Constructed with Sustainable Insulation Panels and Modular Timber Solutions for Climate Resilience

Project in-detail

Constructed with floating modular habitats and high-performance insulation panels, this design adapts to rising water levels while fostering community resilience and ecological harmony through sustainable living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes high-performance insulation panels for enhanced thermal efficiency in floating conditions.
02
Incorporates modular design elements that allow for easy reconfiguration based on occupant needs.
03
Features integrated planters that promote biodiversity and natural water filtration within the habitat.
04
Constructed with buoyancy modules ensuring stability and adaptability to rising water levels.
05
Emphasizes a community barter system, fostering local economic interaction and support among residents.
The "Noah's Ark" project is a contemporary architectural solution addressing the urgent issue of rising water levels exacerbated by climate change. This design concept features a series of interconnected floating modular units that adapt to changing water conditions and provide safe living environments. Geographically targeted at vulnerable areas such as Amsterdam, Cumbria, and regions in Vietnam, this project signifies a proactive response to environmental challenges, allowing communities to thrive in an uncertain future.

Functional aspects of the "Noah's Ark" design are diverse, focusing on providing flexible living, working, and communal spaces that enhance social interactions. The modular units can be easily adjusted in height to respond to fluctuating water levels, ensuring that residents remain safe and comfortable regardless of environmental changes. Central to the design is an emphasis on versatility, enabling the layout to serve multiple purposes without compromising on usability or aesthetics.

Sustainability is a key factor within this project. The architecture employs an innovative material palette, including Kingspan QuadCore LEC panels for insulation, wooden slats for structural support and ventilation, and high-density buoyancy modules that maintain stability. This careful selection of materials not only supports the structural integrity of the design but also promotes energy efficiency and ecological responsibility.

Unique Design Approaches

The "Noah's Ark" project stands out from conventional architectural solutions through its incorporation of ecological elements directly into its structure. It features integrated planters that enhance biodiversity and provide natural filtration for rainwater. This approach creates a symbiotic relationship between the built environment and the surrounding ecosystem. The elevation variations in the layout facilitate airflow, natural light, and visual connectivity among spaces, optimizing the living experience.

The design also encourages community engagement through an innovative economic model based on barter systems. By fostering direct exchanges among residents, the project supports local economies and deepens social ties. This community-driven approach is essential for establishing resilience in the face of future challenges and promotes a lifestyle that aligns with sustainability principles.

In addition to functional living spaces, the project's layout is specifically designed to provide transitional areas for relaxation and interaction. The careful arrangement of spaces, including casual living, workspace, and sleeping zones, ensures an adaptable environment that meets the needs of diverse inhabitants without sacrificing comfort.

In examining the architectural section and plans of the "Noah's Ark" project, readers can gain insight into its thoughtful design strategies and the rationale behind its unique components. The architecture not only delivers practical solutions but also challenges conventional notions of habitat in the face of climate change. For a more comprehensive understanding of the project's design principles, architectural plans, and innovative ideas, further exploration of the project presentation is encouraged.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 17,249 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