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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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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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