Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Floating Homes With Reinforced Concrete Bases and Green Roofs for Coastal Living

Authors:
Anahita Dasgupta, Douglas Tsui, Emad Abdulwajid, Mayuki Sasagawa
Floating Homes With Reinforced Concrete Bases and Green Roofs for Coastal Living

Project in-detail

Renowned for its buoyant concrete foundations and lush green roofs, this architectural endeavor embodies sustainable living in a floating community designed to adapt to rising sea levels.
5 key facts about this project
01
The homes are constructed with reinforced concrete bases to ensure stability in fluctuating water levels.
02
Each unit incorporates green roofs designed for urban farming, enhancing food security and biodiversity.
03
Innovative water purification systems are integrated to convert seawater into potable water for residents.
04
Flexible interior layouts allow residents to customize their living spaces to suit personal and professional needs.
05
Public interaction zones are strategically placed to foster community engagement while maintaining individual privacy.
The Lilypods project presents a thoughtful exploration of contemporary architecture that responds to the urgent challenges posed by climate change, particularly in vulnerable coastal areas. Positioned as a proposed solution for rising sea levels, this design utilizes an innovative and sustainable approach to living. The project consists of floating micro-homes tailored for young working professionals, addressing both ecological concerns and the need for affordable housing in a different context.

At its core, Lilypods represents a shift towards resilience in architectural design, emphasizing a harmonious relationship between human habitation and the natural environment. The concept behind the design emerges from the idea of micro-living, where space is optimized without compromising comfort or functionality. Each floating unit is thoughtfully constructed to provide essential living areas, flexible spaces for work, and communal zones that promote interaction among residents. The overall layout encourages communal living while respecting individual privacy, suggesting a new paradigm for residential architecture.

Key components of the project include the carefully considered architectural form and materiality. The homes are inspired by organic shapes, resembling lily pads, which not only enhance aesthetics but also improve the floating structures’ hydrodynamic performance. This subtle integration with the water body aids in handling fluctuations in water levels while enhancing the connection to the aquatic environment. The use of reinforced concrete provides the necessary structural solidity, while timber adds warmth and a tactile quality that ties the homes back to nature. Expansive glass windows allow for natural light to seep into the interiors, fostering a sense of openness and connection to the surroundings.

Sustainability is a cornerstone of the Lilypods initiative, as reflected in the choice of materials and systems incorporated into the design. Solar panels are strategically placed to ensure that each unit can generate its own energy, promoting self-sufficiency. This commitment extends to innovative water systems, such as a desalination filter tank designed to purify seawater, contributing further to the residences' sustainability ethos. Additionally, the roofs are designed to accommodate green gardening areas, which serve both aesthetic and functional purposes by enhancing biodiversity and food security.

Unique design approaches further enhance the project’s distinct character. The adaptability of interior spaces is a noteworthy feature, allowing residents to modify their environments according to their needs. This flexibility can accommodate various working and living arrangements, promoting a lifestyle that transcends traditional boundaries of residential spaces. The incorporation of public interaction zones within the floating community creates opportunities for social connections, fostering a sense of belonging among the residents. These semi-public areas are designed to be inviting and multifunctional, supporting various activities that bring individuals together while preserving personal space.

Furthermore, the innovative waste management solutions integrated into the project, such as incinerating and composting toilets, reflect a conscientious approach to environmental stewardship. These systems not only minimize ecological impact but also contribute to the overall self-sufficiency of the community.

The geographical implications of the Lilypods project can be keenly felt, as the design directly addresses the realities faced by coastal populations due to climate change. By situating the floating homes in areas where rising sea levels may soon threaten traditional housing, this project proposes a realistic and thoughtful alternative for future living arrangements.

Engaging with the architectural plans, sections, and design details of the Lilypods project reveals a comprehensive vision that merges innovative design with sustainable living practices. This project serves as a vital case study for those interested in exploring modern architectural ideas that embrace environmental consciousness while providing practical solutions for urban living. For a more in-depth understanding and to appreciate the full scope of this thoughtful architectural endeavor, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation for further details on its designs and concepts.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
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
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 16544 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