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Floating Homes with Concrete Hulls and Integrated Greenery

Author:
Walter Hughes
Floating Homes with Concrete Hulls and Integrated Greenery
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Floating homes with concrete hulls and greenhouse systems create a sustainable residential community that enhances urban living along Vancouver's waterfront.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating structures are anchored by underwater poles for stability.
02
Each home integrates garden spaces for enhanced air quality.
03
Concrete hulls function as counterweights in water-based environments.
04
Solar panels are installed for renewable energy generation.
05
Rainwater collection systems support responsible water management.

The Cherry Blossom Project is located in Vancouver, where it creates a meaningful connection between nature and residential living. Designed as a modular and expandable community, it focuses on sustainability and the cultural significance of cherry trees. The project aims to provide a zero-carbon footprint while fostering a unique relationship with the surrounding sea environment.

Structural Stability

The design incorporates underwater poles that stabilize the homes as they float on the water. These poles reach into the ground beneath the surface, providing crucial support against different types of water disturbances. The addition of concrete hulls acts as counterweights, which helps maintain steady living spaces and ensures long-term safety for residents.

Sustainable Design Features

Every unit has interiors that enhance a greenhouse effect by including garden spaces, which improve air quality inside. Solar energy roof panels capture renewable energy, working towards a net-zero energy goal. Furthermore, the design integrates greywater recycling systems, supporting efficient resource use and encouraging environmentally friendly practices among residents.

Ecological Considerations

The project is committed to sustainability and includes recycling initiatives that focus on the Pacific garbage patch. This approach highlights the importance of addressing environmental issues. Rainwater collection systems are also part of the design, contributing to responsible water management and reflecting a dedication to eco-conscious living.

Bioclimatic Design Elements

Bioclimatic principles shape the home designs. Thermal rollers help manage indoor temperatures naturally, while vegetable gardens promote local food production. Together, these elements create a supportive and vibrant community. This design not only emphasizes sustainable living but also invites a close relationship between residents and their natural surroundings.

Expansive windows offer views of the landscape, allowing natural light to fill the interiors. This connection to the outside enhances the living experience, blending indoor comfort with the beauty of nature.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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