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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.

## Overview

The Marine Drifter project is situated beneath a large bridge, addressing critical climate change issues, particularly the challenges posed by rising sea levels in coastal regions. The design proposes a sustainable and adaptive living environment within a vulnerable ecological context, emphasizing the necessity for resilient architecture that harmonizes human habitation with surrounding natural elements.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience

The design utilizes a hexagonal layout to optimize spatial efficiency while fostering community engagement. This configuration enables a variety of dwelling types, including single and multi-room units, accommodating diverse living arrangements. Interior spaces are thoughtfully arranged to provide both communal and private areas, enhancing flexibility and promoting social interaction among residents. The strategic integration of shared outdoor spaces and accessible infrastructure further supports community development and quality of life within the living environment.

### Materiality and Sustainable Technologies

The project employs innovative materials to ensure buoyancy and durability. Key components include a composite foam material known for its lightweight and environmentally friendly properties, as well as a robust waterproofing system comprising 62 layers designed to withstand water exposure and extend the lifespan of the structures. Additionally, the Marine Drifter incorporates renewable energy solutions such as solar energy systems and rainwater harvesting technology. These features enhance the self-sufficiency of the units and underscore a commitment to ecological sustainability, allowing occupants to minimize reliance on non-renewable resources while ensuring energy and water security in response to climate variability.

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

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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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