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Floating Habitats Crafted with Bio-Polymers and Hydroponic Systems for Sustainable Living

Authors:
Aya Mostafa Amin Abdelaziz Mostafa, Ayman Mohamed Ismail Abdellatif
Floating Habitats Crafted with Bio-Polymers and Hydroponic Systems for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Crafted from bio-polymers and integrating hydroponic systems, this floating community offers sustainable living solutions for urban fishing families, emphasizing ecological resilience and communal interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted using bio-polymers for reduced environmental impact.
02
Integrates hydroponic systems within communal spaces for food sustainability.
03
Modular units allow for customizable living configurations.
04
Floating design minimizes land use and enhances flood resilience.
05
Constructed with recycled materials and renewable energy solutions.

### Overview

The Econile project is situated in Greater Cairo and aims to address the challenges of urban sprawl and environmental degradation while providing adaptive housing solutions for fishing communities. This integrated micro-community on the water is designed to enhance local aquatic ecosystems and offers essential living spaces for marginalized populations often overlooked in urban planning.

### Spatial Configuration

The design features modular home units elevated above water levels to mitigate flood risks and maintain a practical connection to fishing activities. These units are organized to foster communal spaces, such as fishing decks and gardens, encouraging social interaction among residents. The layout ensures visual engagement with the surrounding water, creating a tranquil environment that supports both residential and fishing activities.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Innovative materials play a crucial role in the project’s construction, including bio-based polymers utilized in 3D printing, which enhance sustainability and minimize construction waste. Floating platforms are constructed from recycled composite decking, ensuring durability in aquatic conditions. The inclusion of large glass windows maximizes natural light and views, contributing to a pleasant living environment while optimizing thermal performance. Timber is employed for roofing and structural components, offering aesthetic appeal and warmth.

Sustainability is further emphasized through the integration of solar panels in each unit, facilitating energy independence, and rainwater collection systems that supply domestic water sustainably. Hydroponic planting systems embedded within the structures promote self-sufficiency by enabling residents to cultivate food, thereby reducing reliance on external food sources.

Econile exemplifies a community-centered design approach, promoting interaction through shared resources and collective spaces while reflecting the cultural heritage of the fishing lifestyle. The project serves as a replicable model for urban communities facing similar challenges, showcasing the intersection of sustainability and communal living in a contemporary context.

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

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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
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