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Floating Structure with Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Water Harvesting Features

Floating Structure with Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Water Harvesting Features
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Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels and designed to float during flood events, this microhome incorporates rainwater harvesting and flexible living spaces to provide resilient housing solutions in vulnerable environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed to float, ensuring stability during flooding.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural integrity.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design to optimize rainwater collection.
04
Features charred wooden shingles for improved durability and fire resistance.
05
Includes a flexible core that adapts to various living functions.

## Overview

Located in flood-prone regions of East Asia, including countries such as China, India, and Bangladesh, the Floating Island project addresses the ongoing housing crisis exacerbated by frequent flooding. This microhome design emphasizes adaptability, sustainability, and resilience, offering a solution that can effectively respond to the challenges of both wet and dry seasons. The structure's floating mechanism allows it to adjust to rising water levels while incorporating essential features that support energy independence and resource efficiency.

### Key Design Features

The architectural design showcases several innovative elements tailored for functional resilience. An amphibious capability is realized through a floating deck and adjustable columns, ensuring safety and accessibility during flood events. The flexible core of the microhome allows for various configurations, accommodating different residential needs such as social, working, and sleeping spaces. Renewable energy generation is facilitated by the integration of photovoltaic (PV) panels, while a specialized gutter system and butterfly roof design enable efficient rainwater harvesting, supporting the home’s independent water supply.

### Materiality and Engineering

Material selection focuses on sustainability and functionality, with components such as prefabricated Kingspan skylights enhancing natural light and overall aesthetics. The butterfly roof not only contributes to a distinctive architectural identity but also optimizes rainwater collection. Additionally, the engineering of buoyancy blocks and adaptable columns is integral to the floating mechanism, allowing for flexibility in the internal layout and ensuring stability during fluctuating water levels. This approach reflects a comprehensive strategy for enhancing livability in vulnerable regions.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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