Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Floating Habitat with Ecological Concrete and Charred Wood Finish

Author:
Bruno Leruste
Floating Habitat with Ecological Concrete and Charred Wood Finish

Project in-detail

Constructed from ecological concrete and finished with charred wood, this floating habitat adapts to rising water levels while offering a sustainable living solution.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed on a central pillar, allowing for stability in fluctuating water levels.
02
Utilizes ecological concrete, specifically designed for floating structures.
03
Incorporates Shou Sugi Ban for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
04
Features a low-calorie sauna that operates at just 50 degrees Celsius.
05
Includes a French bidet for efficient water use in personal hygiene.

The Cube on the Water is designed to meet the pressing challenges of rising sea levels, which are projected to affect many coastal communities in the near future. This project offers a sustainable living solution that adapts to changing environmental conditions. It features a floating design that relies on a central support pillar, providing stability even as water levels fluctuate. This innovative approach aims to create a functional and inviting living space that addresses urgent climate concerns.

Structural Integrity

The Cube is built with ecological concrete, which is suitable for floating constructions and ensures strength and stability. This choice helps the structure withstand the unique demands of a water-based living environment. The upper parts of the Cube are made from burnt wood, known as Shou Sugi Ban. This material not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the building’s resistance to moisture and decay.

Functional Organization

Inside the Cube, the layout is carefully planned into specific areas for different activities. Each space is designed to meet practical needs while considering emotional comfort. For instance, the kitchen can accommodate quick meal prep or more relaxed dining with family and friends. There are also dedicated work and rest zones for productivity and relaxation, significantly improving the quality of life within a compact area.

Sustainable Energy Solutions

Energy usage within the Cube is managed with two complementary systems aimed at sustainability. A wood burner located in the central pillar provides heat during colder months. It operates on wood pellets, making use of renewable resources. Additionally, a turbine placed underneath the house converts flowing water into electricity, supplying power for lights and other important functions. This setup offers a reliable solution to meet energy needs while being environmentally friendly.

Design Detail

The Cube incorporates thoughtful features that emphasize resource efficiency. For personal hygiene, a French bidet combined with a shower function optimizes water use without sacrificing effectiveness. Furthermore, the design includes a low-calorie sauna that operates at a maximum temperature of 50 degrees Celsius, drawing only 5 liters of water. These features highlight the Cube's focus on practical living while promoting well-being in a design that is both functional and considerate of its surroundings.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
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 17,725 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