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Marine Habitat Built Using Biodegradable Materials and Hexagonal Structures for Sustainable Living

Authors:
Leonardo Zuccaro Marchi, Shubham Majumder, Adrien Benjamin Clement Lotz, Ali Nazari, Amirhossein Adelfar, Ani Periashvili
Marine Habitat Built Using Biodegradable Materials and Hexagonal Structures for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Floating habitats crafted from biodegradable materials utilize hexagonal designs to enhance community interaction while promoting sustainable living in a marine environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating structures designed with marine biodiversity in mind, encouraging local ecosystem growth.
02
Utilizes innovative biodegradable materials to minimize environmental footprint.
03
Hexagonal layouts enhance community cohesion while offering privacy to residents.
04
Integrated aquaponics systems provide self-sustaining food production within the habitat.
05
Incorporates smart glass technology for energy efficiency and climate control.

### Overview
Located in the context of rising sea levels, the design for Beyond Laputa envisions a floating community that addresses the challenges faced by coastal cities like Dubai. The project seeks to redefine urban living by creating structures that integrate ecological considerations with innovative design principles. Inspired by Jonathan Swift's fictional island in "Gulliver's Travels," the approach emphasizes resilience, sustainability, and a harmonious relationship between architecture and nature.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Integration
Beyond Laputa features an innovative spatial strategy that prioritizes flexible living arrangements while promoting communal interaction. The design incorporates organic, rounded forms that are reminiscent of natural elements, fostering a sense of fluidity within the environment. Hexagonal configurations facilitate communal spaces that encourage social engagement, while also allowing for privacy among residents.

The layout of the community is structured to promote stewardship and collaboration, enhancing social cohesion among inhabitants. By integrating shared spaces, the project underscores the importance of collective responsibility in environmental preservation, creating a living experience that is both interactive and inclusive.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The material palette of Beyond Laputa reflects a commitment to sustainability and ecological conformity. Structures utilize locally sourced materials, such as clay and natural fibers, which minimize the environmental impact associated with construction. Additionally, the incorporation of recycled polymers and bio-materials enhances resilience against erosion and flooding, ensuring lasting durability.

Energy efficiency is a key aspect of the design; photovoltaic panels and wind turbines are integrated to support self-sustainability, reducing reliance on conventional power sources. The project also incorporates advanced technologies, such as aquaponics and vertical farming systems, aimed at fostering local food production and promoting a culture of sustainability. In addition, underwater features encourage marine biodiversity, creating an ecosystem that supports both human habitation and aquatic life.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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