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Floating Micro-Homes Built with Rainscreen Facade and Sustainable Timber Elements

Author:
Jose Bonifacino
Floating Micro-Homes Built with Rainscreen Facade and Sustainable Timber Elements

Project in-detail

Constructed with a rainscreen facade and sustainable timber elements, these floating micro-homes offer a self-sufficient living solution in response to the challenges of rising sea levels and urban land scarcity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating structure designed to adapt to rising water levels.
02
Integrated rainwater collection system enhances sustainability.
03
Exterior features a rainscreen facade for increased durability.
04
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for fire resistance and aesthetic appeal.
05
Modular design allows flexible configurations and community arrangements.

# Analytical Report on Floating Micro-Home Architectural Design

## Project Overview
The floating micro-home concept addresses the challenges of rising sea levels, urban flooding, and land scarcity by utilizing aquatic environments such as rivers and sheltered bays. This approach encourages sustainable housing development by deviating from traditional land-based residential design. The architecture emphasizes sustainability, modularity, and adaptability, aiming to provide a practical response to environmental shifts while fostering community living.

### Sustainable Living Practices
The design features several elements aimed at promoting environmentally responsible living. A rainwater harvesting system includes a slimline tank that captures rainfall for non-potable uses, thereby reducing reliance on municipal water supplies. Green roof systems not only enhance aesthetic appeal but also contribute to rainwater collection and promote biodiversity within the urban ecosystem.

### Modular and Adaptive Design
The micro-homes consist of configurable units that enable various layouts, such as single arrangements or side-by-side configurations, supporting flexible community formation. Each unit encompasses 25 square meters of living space, optimally arranged to maximize functionality while maintaining ecological balance. The interior design includes movable components that can transform the space for dual purposes, transitioning seamlessly from work to leisure. Additionally, large openings and sliding glass doors increase natural light and airflow, fostering an expansive atmosphere.

## Materiality and Construction Details
Materials selected for this project reflect both a commitment to sustainability and functional durability. A factory-engineered wall system facilitates rapid installation while ensuring long-term resilience. The rainscreen facade system not only offers environmental resistance but also provides a modern aesthetic. Key features include a robust ZINCALUME® steel slimline tank for rainwater collection, Tredak acoustic ceiling tiles for enhanced indoor sound quality, and Solatube tubular skylights to optimize natural lighting. Wood finishes used for both interior and exterior surfaces create warmth and a connection to nature, reinforcing the overall design narrative.

## Unique Living Environment
The design emphasizes water-centric living, allowing residents to engage directly with their surroundings, thereby addressing common barriers associated with waterfront habitation. The layout promotes the formation of micro-communities, enhancing social connectivity among residents while strategically maintaining privacy. The integration of renewable energy sources further exemplifies a commitment to environmental sustainability in contemporary architectural practice.

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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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