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 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.

### Project Overview

The Re-CLAIMING initiative in Hong Kong explores a hydrophilic floating colony as an alternative model for urban residential development. Situated in a densely populated metropolis with pressing environmental challenges, this project addresses the need for innovative solutions to spatial constraints and emphasizes community-oriented living. By integrating ecological principles and responsive design, the project aims to redefine waterfront spaces while preserving the historical context of the area.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Interaction

The design employs a modular system of floating units, each with a footprint of 10m x 10m, allowing flexibility in arrangement. The layout features interconnected dwelling units surrounded by water, promoting communal public spaces through:

- **Floating Units**: A combination of primary living spaces and adaptable secondary units facilitates a responsive living environment for residents.
- **Waterfront Promenades**: Public access paths are incorporated to enhance social interaction and connectivity among residents.

This spatial arrangement fosters a sense of community and encourages engagement with the aquatic surroundings.

### Materiality and Environmental Considerations

Material selection underscores a commitment to sustainability and resilience in coastal conditions. Key materials include:

1. **Galvanized Steel**: Provides structural integrity with high corrosion resistance, suitable for marine environments.
2. **Recycled Plastic Sheet**: Utilized for waterproofing and insulation, reducing environmental impact.
3. **Containerized Units**: Prefabricated components enable rapid assembly and adaptability.
4. **Green Roof Systems**: Support for vegetation provides thermal benefits and promotes biodiversity.
5. **Solar Panels**: Enhance energy self-sufficiency.
6. **Septic Systems**: Integrated solutions for wastewater management align with environmental standards.

This thoughtful material palette addresses the specific challenges of the coastal setting and reflects an overarching focus on ecological responsibility.

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

`

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