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Floating Homes with Prefabricated Panels for Aquatic Resilience

Author:
Larissa Silva De Oliveira
Floating Homes with Prefabricated Panels for Aquatic Resilience

Project in-detail

Utilizing prefabricated panels and a buoyant foundation, the design addresses the challenges of flooding in Eldorado do Sul by creating adaptable housing that promotes community resilience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes modular units that can be reconfigured for varying community needs.
02
Incorporates natural ventilation systems for climate control without mechanical assistance.
03
Floats on a buoyant foundation for resilience against seasonal flooding.
04
Features integrated gardening spaces to promote self-sustainability among residents.
05
Constructed with lightweight materials to minimize environmental impact and support ease of assembly.
The architectural project known as alien]u[s focuses on addressing the housing needs of communities in flood-prone areas, particularly Eldorado do Sul, Brazil. This project integrates architecture with environmental considerations, specifically designed to function in aquatic conditions. It represents a strategic response to climate change, emphasizing adaptability, sustainability, and community resilience. The structure is engineered to withstand flooding while providing essential living spaces for residents who are often displaced.

Unique Design Approaches

The alien]u[s project is distinguished by its innovative split configuration and contracted home concepts. These approaches facilitate both individual living units and community interactions. The split configuration allows units to float, providing buoyancy and optimizing land use. This is particularly relevant in regions experiencing frequent floods, where traditional housing proves inadequate.

Key elements of the design include modularity and flexibility. The units can be arranged independently or combined to form larger community settings. This adaptability supports social cohesion while allowing for personal privacy as needed. The design also incorporates lightweight structural materials, such as Kingspan RF-design cassettes and wooden substructures, which not only enhance buoyancy but also simplify construction.

Sustainability is woven into the building's materials and systems. The integration of passive solar solutions through Kingspan brise-soleil Shadoglass enhances energy efficiency while reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems. The use of naturally ventilating design tactics further supports comfortable living conditions and reduces environmental impact.

Architectural Functions and Features

The alien]u[s project comprises strategically organized living spaces that serve essential functions. Each unit includes designated sleeping, cooking, washing, and maintenance areas while also providing space for gardening and communal activities. The layout is optimized for efficiency, ensuring that all necessary services are readily accessible and manageable within a compact footprint.

Particularly noteworthy is the home’s capacity for adaptation during flooding events. The architectural design allows living spaces to adjust in response to water levels, thereby offering continual protection for occupants. This unique feature becomes a critical aspect of the architecture, enabling it to respond dynamically to the environmental conditions characteristic of Eldorado do Sul.

Moreover, the project illustrates a thoughtful engagement with its context by fostering community through shared spaces. The inclusion of communal gathering areas encourages social interaction and resilience among residents, enhancing their ability to deal with adverse conditions collectively.

Exploring the alien]u[s project materials, architectural designs, and ideas unveils numerous insights into its innovative solutions for housing challenges in vulnerable regions. For those interested in the detailed architectural plans and sections, a closer examination of this presentation will reveal the comprehensive strategies employed in this project.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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