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Floating Habitat Crafted from Composite Foam with Waterproofing Layers for Sustainable Coastal Living

Authors:
Tzu-hsien Yu, 姿含 周
Floating Habitat Crafted from Composite Foam with Waterproofing Layers for Sustainable Coastal Living

Project in-detail

Floating structures constructed from lightweight composite foam and reinforced with durable waterproofing layers create a resilient and adaptive living environment for communities facing rising sea levels.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating units constructed from lightweight composite foam to enhance buoyancy and resilience.
02
Integrated waterproofing layers ensure durability against harsh marine environments.
03
Hexagonal layout promotes community interaction and efficient spatial usage.
04
Solar energy systems incorporated for self-sufficiency in power generation.
05
Rainwater catchment systems enable sustainable water management for residents.

Marine Drifter is an architectural project designed to address the challenges of climate change through innovative, buoyant living spaces. This project focuses on creating a resilient habitat in coastal areas threatened by rising sea levels. Situated beneath a bridge, the design showcases a unique approach to residential living, merging human habitation with environmental considerations. The project’s primary function is to provide sustainable living conditions that adapt dynamically to aquatic environments, thereby promoting community resilience in the face of ecological threats.

Unique Design Approaches

The Marine Drifter project distinguishes itself with its hexagonal unit arrangement, optimizing spatial efficiency and promoting social connectivity. Each unit is designed to float, utilizing composite foam materials that not only ensure structural integrity but also guarantee buoyancy. This approach redefines the traditional concept of housing by integrating individual living spaces within a cohesive, communal framework. The floating structures are interconnected, allowing residents to easily navigate between units and shared facilities.

This design emphasizes durability, with waterproofing layers spanning 62 layers to withstand harsh climatic conditions. Sustainable technologies play a key role in the project, featuring solar energy systems and water management strategies, including rainwater collection and atmospheric condensation. These elements are integral to maintaining an energy-efficient and self-sufficient living environment.

Integration of Community and Nature

The project's layout fosters community interaction through dedicated communal spaces and green areas, essential for promoting social engagement and well-being. Residents are encouraged to participate in shared activities, enhancing community bonds while engaging with nature. The strategic placement of communal facilities, such as recreational areas and gardens, embodies a commitment to promoting a sustainable lifestyle.

Marine Drifter serves as a model for future architectural endeavors focused on resilient, adaptive living solutions. It addresses pressing environmental concerns while redefining the notion of community in a rapidly changing world.

For further exploration, please review the architectural plans, sections, and designs that detail this innovative project. These elements provide deeper insights into the architectural ideas that underpin the Marine Drifter concept.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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