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 Shelters Constructed from Bamboo and Recycled Plastics Supporting Community Resilience

Author:
Shubbaam O Rathi
Floating Shelters Constructed from Bamboo and Recycled Plastics Supporting Community Resilience

Project in-detail

Constructed with floating modules of bamboo and recycled plastics, the design adapts to varying water levels while fostering community engagement and sustainability in a flood-prone environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating structures designed to adapt to varying water levels enhance safety in flood-prone areas.
02
Constructed exclusively from locally sourced bamboo and recycled plastics to minimize environmental impact.
03
Modular units allow for flexible configurations to accommodate diverse community needs.
04
Integrated communal gardens foster social interaction and promote sustainable living practices.
05
The design emphasizes harmony with the aquatic ecosystem, creating a seamless connection between the built environment and nature.

### Project Overview

Located on the coast of Malawi, the Water-Lily Community is a community-oriented architectural design that emphasizes sustainable living and interaction with the local aquatic environment. The project aims to create adaptable living spaces that respond to fluctuations in water levels, thereby addressing the challenges posed by climate change and flooding in the region.

### Spatial Strategy

The layout of the community features modular living units that are versatile, allowing for a range of configurations suited to varying family sizes and social gatherings. Shared public amenities, including gardens and community kitchens, facilitate social interaction while maintaining accessible private areas for residents. Central courtyards serve as focal points for communal activities, reinforcing community bonds through intentional spatial organization.

### Material Selection

The material choices in the Water-Lily Community reflect a commitment to sustainability and local resources. Timber and bamboo are prominently used for structural elements and wall construction, emphasizing renewable materials that support local craftsmanship. Additionally, repurposed plastics are integrated into structural components, showcasing innovative strategies for waste management. Treated wood is employed for decks and structural beams, ensuring durability against the humid, aquatic environment. These materials align with the project’s focus on minimizing ecological impact while fostering a welcoming atmosphere.

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
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