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Floating Shelters Constructed from Bamboo and Recycled Plastics Supporting Community Resilience

Floating Shelters Constructed from Bamboo and Recycled Plastics Supporting Community Resilience
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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.

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

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Competition organisers

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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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