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Floating Habitat Elevated By Repurposed Materials And Designed For Resilience

Author:
Dylan Roth
Floating Habitat Elevated By Repurposed Materials And Designed For Resilience

Project in-detail

Elevated on a base of repurposed polyethylene drums, this floating habitat incorporates sustainable plywood and corrugated metal to create a resilient living space designed specifically for the challenges of coastal Louisiana.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design using repurposed polyethylene drums allows for adaptive response to rising water levels.
02
Multifunctional furniture integrates storage and living space within a compact footprint.
03
Corrugated metal skin provides durability and weather resistance in a coastal environment.
04
The porch garden creates an outdoor living connection while enhancing local biodiversity.
05
Natural ventilation strategies promote air circulation, essential for comfort in humid conditions.
The Bayou House is an architectural project designed to address the pressing challenges of climate change in coastal Louisiana. Its primary function is to provide resilient housing in an area prone to rising sea levels and severe flooding. By incorporating elements of traditional Southern architecture, the Bayou House merges contemporary design with cultural identity, all while prioritizing environmental sustainability.

The project utilizes a floating structure that adapts to shifting water levels, supported by a base of repurposed industrial polyethylene drums. This innovative design feature allows for elevation above floodwaters, demonstrating a practical response to environmental conditions. The architecture retains key elements of the traditional shotgun house, featuring elongated living spaces and integrating with the surrounding bayou landscape.

Sustainable materials form the backbone of the structure, including plywood sheathing for the interior, corrugated metal skin for exterior durability, and photovoltaic panels to enhance energy self-sufficiency. The selection of these materials combines functionality with economic sensibility, making the Bayou House a viable option for local residents facing ecological threats.

Unique Design Approaches

The design of the Bayou House distinguishes itself through its multifunctional spaces and adaptive living solutions. Features such as fold-up beds that convert into pull-out seating optimize the small footprint while offering flexibility in use. Built-in storage systems utilize repurposed netting, promoting a resourceful approach to organization and sustainability.

Furthermore, the integration of outdoor spaces is significant in this project. A porch garden extends living areas outdoors while maintaining proximity to nature. This encourages a symbiotic relationship between the occupants and their environment, highlighting the ecological context of the house. The orientation of the structure and its strategically placed windows ensure optimal natural ventilation, an essential feature in Louisiana's humid climate.

Architectural Efficiency and Cultural Relevance

The Bayou House incorporates advanced design techniques such as adaptive modeling and generative scripting, allowing for an efficient construction process tailored to its environmental context. The house not only acts as a shelter but also as a cultural landmark, reflecting the traditions of the area while innovatively addressing the urgent realities of climate change.

Given its thoughtful integration of architectural ideas, materials, and local cultural elements, the Bayou House serves as a significant example of how architecture can respond to environmental challenges. To gain deeper insights into the project, including architectural plans and sections, readers are encouraged to explore the complete presentation of the Bayou House.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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
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