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Ice Crystal Structures and Recycled Plastic Pavilions for Ecological Resilience

Authors:
Luming Xiao, Shanle Lin, OMAR AL-HASSAWI
Ice Crystal Structures and Recycled Plastic Pavilions for Ecological Resilience

Project in-detail

Utilizing ice crystal structures and pavilions made from recycled plastic, the design aims to restore biodiversity and provide habitat resilience in response to pressing environmental challenges.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes ice formed from seawater to create habitat structures in polar environments.
02
Incorporates 3D-printed coral reefs to support marine ecosystems in Fiji.
03
Constructed pavilions from 100% recycled plastic to enhance urban sustainability.
04
Employs scrap wood to address deforestation and promote habitat restoration in the Amazon.
05
Designed as inflatable structures for flexibility and easy installation in various locations.

POST-ANTHROPOCENE addresses important environmental issues linked to human activity by redefining how people connect with nature. The setting includes a variety of locations, from urban centers to remote ecosystems. Through a series of carefully placed pavilions, each designed for its specific environment, the concept promotes biodiversity and aims to restore ecosystems in distress. The project embodies a commitment to adapting to ecological challenges while reflecting cooperation and symbiosis.

Urban Pavilion
Located in front of the Statue of Liberty, the urban pavilion occupies a significant cultural space. It is designed as an inflatable structure made from recycled plastic, which emphasizes sustainability in urban design. The pavilion not only serves practical purposes but also connects to values of equality and freedom reflected in its iconic backdrop.

Polar Pavilion
In the polar regions, the pavilion takes the form of an ice crystal, aiming to address the ecological threats posed by global warming and overfishing in Antarctica. It uses seawater, which will turn into ice to create a safe habitat for local species during challenging times. Its natural shape mirrors the environment, blending built forms with glacial features that are characteristic of the area.

Ocean Pavilion
The pavilion designed for the Fiji Islands features 3D printed coral reefs, intended to combat overfishing and the introduction of invasive species. Using materials like corn starch and stainless steel powder, this design aims to support marine life by creating new habitats for coral to thrive. The pavilion serves as an architectural response grounded in protecting and nurturing marine ecosystems.

Desert and Jungle Pavilions
In the Sahara, the pavilion is built as a precast mold that offers shelter for desert wildlife. It relies on sand and water, both readily available in this dry region. Meanwhile, the design for the Amazon rainforest utilizes scrap wood to tackle the pressing issue of deforestation. By recycling materials, these structures reduce environmental impact and aid in restoring habitats. They blend into their natural surroundings and underscore a commitment to sustainability.

Each pavilion acts as a response to contemporary ecological needs, reflecting the urgency of protecting the environment. By using local materials and adapting to specific conditions, the design creates an architectural presence that resonates with the current ecological landscape, illustrating the potential of architecture to engage with pressing environmental realities.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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

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