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Floating Homes With Concrete Hulls and Integrated Greenery

Author:
Walter Hughes
Floating Homes With Concrete Hulls and Integrated Greenery

Project in-detail

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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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
competition now

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