Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Floating Residence Utilizes Quad Core Insulated Panels and Precast Concrete for Sustainable Living

Author:
Aoife Bernadette Marnane
Floating Residence Utilizes Quad Core Insulated Panels and Precast Concrete for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Elevated above the Pollaphuca Reservoir, this floating residence incorporates quad core insulated panels and precast concrete to provide a sustainable living solution that harmonizes with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated structure designed for flood resilience on the Pollaphuca Reservoir.
02
Incorporates quad core insulated panels for enhanced thermal efficiency.
03
Features precast concrete elements for durability and moisture resistance.
04
Includes vertical gardens to promote biodiversity and natural aesthetics.
05
Adaptable interior with retractable furniture for flexible living spaces.

### Architectural Overview

Located at the Pollaphuca Reservoir in County Wicklow, Ireland, An Teach Beag is designed as a floating house that integrates modern living with its natural surroundings. The project addresses contemporary challenges, including climate change and rising water levels, by elevating the living space to ensure safety while enhancing residents' interaction with the landscape. The architectural approach merges traditional Irish elements with contemporary design principles, fostering a harmonious relationship between the occupants and nature.

### Spatial Organization and User Engagement

The spatial arrangement of An Teach Beag is thoughtfully designed to maximize functionality within a compact area. The ground floor features an open-plan layout encompassing the kitchen, living, and dining spaces, totaling approximately 18 square meters. The use of sliding partitions and retractable furniture optimizes the area for various activities, promoting versatility while maintaining an open aesthetic. On the upper level, the bedroom, furnished with a retractable bed, emphasizes comfort and spaciousness. Generous windows offer natural light and provide panoramic views of the surrounding environment, fostering an indoor-outdoor lifestyle through easy access to terraces and gardens.

### Material and Sustainability

The project employs a range of materials chosen for their environmental sustainability and performance. Quad Core Insulated Wall Panels serve as the primary structure, providing thermal efficiency and lightweight characteristics. A textured precast concrete base ensures durability in a water-rich environment. Additionally, integrated solar panels contribute to the house's energy self-sufficiency, while a rainwater collection system reduces reliance on municipal water sources. Elements like vertical gardens not only enhance air quality but also connect occupants with greenery, further integrating sustainable principles into the living experience.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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 17,725 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