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Floating Shelters Built from Reeds and Steel for Fishing Communities

Floating Shelters Built from Reeds and Steel for Fishing Communities
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Elevated on stilts and constructed with local reeds and steel, the design addresses the unique housing needs of fishing communities, providing sustainable shelter adapted to the surrounding aquatic environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units allow for customizable configurations based on family size and community needs.
02
Structures are elevated on stilts to mitigate flood risks and enhance environmental resilience.
03
Locally sourced reeds provide insulation and aesthetic appeal, integrating with the natural surroundings.
04
The design incorporates rainwater harvesting systems for sustainable water management.
05
Natural ventilation strategies enhance indoor air quality while reducing energy demands.

### Overview

Hot Fish Home is a residential project designed to address the housing needs of fishermen in the northern lakes of Egypt, specifically around Lakes Burullus, Al-Manzala, and Edko. It aims to offer a sustainable living environment for communities facing socio-economic and environmental challenges due to informal settlements. The design prioritizes affordability, flexibility, and adaptability, recognizing the precarious living conditions of the target population.

### Design and Materiality

The project features modular units configured as half-cubes and full cubes, optimized for customization based on community needs. This modular architecture facilitates expansions and contractions, accommodating varying family sizes and dynamics within the fishing community.

The structural framework utilizes steel to ensure durability while maintaining a low environmental impact. Locally sourced reeds are employed for cladding, enhancing thermal efficiency. The design incorporates double-glazed glass panels for insulation and natural light. Renewable energy systems, including photovoltaic panels on the roof, support household energy requirements, while rainwater harvesting systems enable efficient water management. The choice of materials and design elements aims to resonate with the natural surroundings, promoting longevity and environmental compatibility.

### Unique Features

The floating architecture elevates the dwellings on stilts, allowing for unobstructed water flow beneath and minimizing land disruption. This feature fosters a sustainable relationship with the surrounding aquatic environment.

Adaptability is a key characteristic of the Hot Fish Home, enabling ease of assembly and disassembly, which allows structures to be relocated or modified according to community needs. Furthermore, integrated systems for waste management and recycling are designed to reduce ecological impact, while natural ventilation and cooling panels in the roof design help to mitigate dependence on non-renewable energy sources.

The layout includes communal spaces such as clinics, cafes, and play areas, promoting community interaction and resource sharing. The modular design supports both residential and commercial functions, which is essential for enhancing local economic resilience without the need for new construction.

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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.

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Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

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