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Natural Filtration Through Marine Life Incorporating Reinforced Concrete and Glass Along The Hudson River

Authors:
Rose Zhang, Xuân Nhạt Dang
Natural Filtration Through Marine Life Incorporating Reinforced Concrete and Glass Along The Hudson River

Project in-detail

Elevated above potential flooding, the structure utilizes reinforced concrete and glass to create an engaging community space that integrates marine ecosystems through natural filtration along the Hudson River.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes mussels in a natural filtration system to enhance water quality.
02
Elevated design mitigates flood risks while fostering community engagement.
03
Incorporates a biophilic design approach to connect users with nature.
04
Constructed with reinforced concrete and glass for durability and transparency.
05
Provides designated habitats to support local biodiversity along the river.

### Overview

Located in Manhattan, Flowhub addresses the challenges posed by rising sea levels projected for 2050. The project aims to create a scalable environmental intervention that fosters a balance between urban development and natural ecosystems. Central to its design is the rehabilitation of the Hudson River, which includes the introduction of approximately 70,000 mussels to filter pollutants, contributing to ecological health and enhancing flood resilience.

### Spatial Strategy and Interaction

The architectural design features a distinctive morphological structure characterized by flowing forms and strategic voids, facilitating a dynamic yet cohesive integration with its surroundings. Elevated above potential flooding scenarios, the building's podium encourages human interaction with the aquatic environment, fostering a connection between residents and marine life. Interior spaces are designed to promote exploration through fluid pathways, embodying biophilic principles that enhance occupants' mental well-being and strengthen their ties to nature.

### Sustainable Materiality

The material palette is integral to achieving Flowhub's sustainability goals. Reinforced concrete provides the necessary durability for the structure, while extensive use of glass maximizes natural light and visual connectivity between indoor and outdoor environments. Biodegradable composites are incorporated within interior partitioning, contributing to sustainability and offering flexibility in design expression. An innovative cyclical water filtration system is also integrated, utilizing natural processes to purify water and emphasize a cycle of nourishment and cleanliness.

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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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