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Floating Microhomes Crafted with Bio-Concrete and Designed for Adaptive Living

Authors:
Dominick Kasal, Brad Ingram, Pedro Serrano
Floating Microhomes Crafted with Bio-Concrete and Designed for Adaptive Living

Project in-detail

Rotating microhomes constructed from bio-concrete float seamlessly above the ocean, integrating advanced water collection systems and energy-efficient turbines to support a sustainable community living experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rotating microhomes allow residents to adjust their living environment based on personal preference.
02
Integrated water collection systems maximize resource efficiency in a marine setting.
03
Constructed with bio-concrete utilizing volcanic ash for improved durability and sustainability.
04
Floating platforms enhance marine biodiversity by supporting aquatic habitats.
05
Energy production through underwater turbines reinforces the community's self-sufficiency.
The MicroPELAGO project is an innovative architectural design that embodies the principles of sustainability and adaptive living. Specifically designed as a floating micro-housing community, MicroPELAGO integrates residential units seamlessly with aquatic environments. The architecture highlights functionality, environmental awareness, and the potential for a communal lifestyle set on the ocean's surface.

The project comprises a series of lightweight, 3D-printed concrete microhomes, each linked to a central structural core, which contains essential utilities. The design focuses on ecological living, incorporating water collection systems and energy production technologies to promote self-sufficiency. By encouraging a harmonious relationship with nature, MicroPELAGO aims to redefine modern living within marine contexts.

Unique Structural and Design Approaches

MicroPELAGO features a distinctive arrangement of homes that rotate around a central axis, allowing residents to control their exposure to sunlight, privacy, and views. This rotational mechanism sets the project apart from traditional residential architecture by emphasizing adaptability and individual comfort. The interplay between the microhomes and the slender support towers, which function as community hubs, fosters social interaction while ensuring structural integrity.

The integration of marine life into the design is a fundamental aspect of MicroPELAGO. The architectural planning incorporates floating platforms that promote aquatic biodiversity. The homes' bases are designed to support marine habitats, illustrating a commitment to environmental stewardship. This relationship with the surrounding ecosystem further reveals the project's innovative approach to design in marine settings.

Adaptive Living and Resource Efficiency

MicroPELAGO prioritizes resource efficiency through the use of advanced materials and modern construction techniques. The combination of 3D-printed concrete and bio-concrete, which utilizes volcanic ash, enhances durability while reducing environmental impact. Additionally, each microhome is equipped with a specialized cistern for rainwater collection, optimizing water use in a mindful manner.

The design also incorporates underwater energy-producing turbines, reinforcing the project's commitment to sustainability. This focus on alternative energy sources demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to residential architecture, addressing contemporary concerns surrounding resource consumption and environmental impact.

Explore the project presentation for detailed architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs that further illustrate MicroPELAGO's innovative ideas and design outcomes. Engage with the architectural concepts and consider how they contribute to a new understanding of living spaces in marine environments.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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