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Floating Microhome Featuring Zinc Roof and Hydroponic Garden

Authors:
Constance Jacquemin, Zoé Brouquier
Floating Microhome Featuring Zinc Roof and Hydroponic Garden

Project in-detail

A floating microhome equipped with a zinc roof and a vertical hydroponic garden adapts to rising water levels, providing a sustainable living solution in flood-prone areas.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating mechanism allows the home to rise with water levels.
02
Hydrokinetic turbine generates electricity from flowing water.
03
Vertical hydroponic system enables indoor food production.
04
Rainwater harvesting ensures a sustainable water supply.
05
Triple-glazed windows enhance thermal performance and natural light.

The design project, "Over the Flood," tackles the issue of rising water levels caused by climate change through a microhome concept aimed at ensuring safety and comfort in flood-prone areas. Set against the backdrop of a changing environment, the dwelling offers a practical solution by combining adaptive architecture with sustainable living practices. The overall design emphasizes the need for a functional yet responsive home that meets the challenges of its surroundings.

Adaptive Architecture
The microhome is equipped with a floating mechanism that allows it to adjust according to changing water levels. This ensures that the home remains stable and above water, even during floods. A smart system of sensors and tie rods enables real-time adjustments, allowing the house to respond to the movements of water. This design not only offers a safe haven for residents but also represents a new approach to living in areas vulnerable to flooding.

Sustainable Energy Strategy
The project incorporates various sustainable energy practices to reduce reliance on external resources. Solar water heating systems are used alongside hydrokinetic turbines that generate electricity from moving water. These elements work together to support energy independence and minimize environmental impact. The focus on renewable energy reflects an understanding of the need for sustainable solutions in contemporary living.

Modular Living Space
The interior of the microhome features a modular design that allows for flexible use of space. The layout includes a dedicated technical section with essential utilities such as a bathroom and kitchen, alongside a living area that can be adjusted for different purposes. This versatility supports a range of activities, making it suitable for both living and working spaces. It efficiently optimizes the available area, making everyday life comfortable.

Water Management and Food Production
A key aspect of the design is its approach to water management. Rainwater is collected from the roof and stored in a tank underground. This method ensures that residents have a sustainable source of water. Additionally, the inclusion of a vertical hydroponic planting system allows for indoor food cultivation, providing fresh produce with minimal space. This thoughtful integration highlights a commitment to self-sufficiency and resource conservation.

The use of triple-glazed windows in the façade improves energy efficiency while allowing natural light to fill the interior. This feature creates a bright, inviting atmosphere, connecting residents with their surroundings. By prioritizing both functionality and environmental sensitivity, the design presents a practical response to the challenges posed by an evolving climate.

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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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