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Floating Shelter Constructed With Kingspan Insulated Panels and Green Roofs for Resilient Living

Floating Shelter Constructed With Kingspan Insulated Panels and Green Roofs for Resilient Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with a buoyant foundation and Kingspan insulated panels, this micro home integrates green roofs and living walls to offer a sustainable, adaptable solution for flood-prone areas.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a floating foundation to enhance safety in flood-prone areas.
02
Features Kingspan insulated panels for superior thermal performance and lower carbon footprint.
03
Incorporates green roofs and living walls to support biodiversity and improve air quality.
04
Utilizes foldable furniture for flexible interior space suited to various living needs.
05
The design mimics natural forms, promoting environmental harmony and aesthetic integration.
The EcoChelen Haven is an architectural project designed as a micro home intended for flood-prone areas. With a footprint of 25 square meters, this design emphasizes resilience and sustainability through its innovative features. Its primary function is to provide safe and efficient living in challenging environments, addressing the increasing threats posed by climate change and natural disasters.

The architectural design is characterized by its floating foundation, which allows it to remain above rising water levels, significantly enhancing its safety in flood situations. The structure is anchored underground to ensure stability during seismic events, making it suitable for diverse geographical locations. The design adopts a form reminiscent of a turtle's shell, integrating both aesthetic and functional elements that allow it to camouflaged in natural surroundings.

The EcoChelen Haven employs a range of advanced materials and technologies that contribute to its sustainability. Utilizing Kingspan’s LEC (Lower Embodied Carbon) insulated panels, the building achieves excellent thermal performance while minimizing environmental impact. The incorporation of green roofs not only enhances biodiversity but also serves as an insulation layer, reducing energy needs. Additionally, solar panels strategically placed on the roof generate renewable energy, positioning the home as self-sufficient. Rainwater harvesting systems complete the sustainability approach, efficiently managing water resources for domestic use.

Designing the interior space is centered on functionality and adaptability. The layout features foldable furniture and multi-purpose areas, allowing occupants to make the best use of the limited space. This flexibility caters to various living arrangements and responds effectively to the changing needs of residents. The integration of natural elements within the design, both inside and out, fosters an environment that promotes physical and psychological well-being.

What sets the EcoChelen Haven apart from traditional designs is its focus on harmonization with the environment. Unlike typical dwellings that can disrupt surrounding ecosystems, this project aims to enhance local biodiversity through its green design elements. Its emphasis on sustainability is not merely an add-on but a core aspect of its architectural identity. The innovative use of organic shapes reflects a deep understanding of ecological principles while providing a practical solution to contemporary housing challenges.

The architectural plans and sections provide further insights into the project’s structure and material choices. Each detail is purposefully designed, underscoring the interplay between sustainable practice and architectural aesthetics. The project serves as a model for future developments aimed at addressing emerging environmental issues, making it a reference point for sustainable residential design.

For a detailed exploration of the architecture, including architectural plans and sections, the architectural designs and the unique architectural ideas embodied in the EcoChelen Haven, readers are encouraged to delve deeper into the project presentation.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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
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