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Floating Units With Recycled Plastics and Galvanized Steel for Sustainable Urban Living

Authors:
Ai Narita, Nevena Popovic
Floating Units With Recycled Plastics and Galvanized Steel for Sustainable Urban Living

Project in-detail

Modular floating units constructed from galvanized steel and recycled plastics provide a resilient and sustainable solution for community living in Hong Kong's waterfront urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units designed for easy reconfiguration promote flexible living arrangements.
02
Constructed with recycled plastics to enhance sustainability in a marine environment.
03
Galvanized steel frames provide durability and corrosion resistance unique to coastal applications.
04
Integrated solar panels contribute to energy self-sufficiency for all units.
05
Promenade access fosters community interaction and recreational opportunities along the waterfront.

The Re-CLAIMING project in Hong Kong presents an architectural approach to residential living that synthesizes modern design with ecological sustainability. This project reinterprets the waterfront landscape through a series of floating residential units, addressing the challenges posed by land scarcity and environmental degradation in urban settings. By positioning itself on water, the project offers a new paradigm for community living while responding to the unique geographical features of Hong Kong.

Unique Floating Community Design

The Re-CLAIMING project is characterized by its use of modular floating units, designed to function as both living spaces and community hubs. Each unit has a footprint of 10 meters by 10 meters, allowing for flexibility in layout and configuration. The design incorporates communal spaces such as promenades and green areas, promoting social interaction among residents. This interaction is vital in fostering a sense of community in a location often characterized by high-density living. The building blocks utilize lightweight, durable materials, including galvanized steel and recycled plastics, which are pivotal in maintaining buoyancy and resisting corrosion in a marine environment. Additionally, eco-sensitive spaces filled with vegetation enhance the aesthetic quality and provide natural insulation, demonstrating a commitment to blending built environments with the natural landscape.

Architectural Response to Environmental Challenges

The project also functions as a practical response to environmental concerns, particularly rising sea levels due to climate change. The floating nature of the units allows for adaptive management of water levels, while the integration of solar panels supports energy self-sufficiency. Strategic landscaping with local flora contributes to biodiversity and promotes sustainability. The overall design serves not just as housing but as a resilient model that anticipates future urban challenges in coastal cities. The architectural considerations reflect a deep understanding of the interplay between natural systems and human habitation, setting it apart from typical residential projects that may overlook these critical dynamics.

For a comprehensive understanding of the Re-CLAIMING project, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs presented in detail. These elements provide further insights into the innovative strategies employed, illustrating how this project represents a forward-thinking approach to urban architecture in waterfront settings.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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