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Reimagined Shipping Containers Elevated on Buoyant Foundations for Coastal Retreats

Authors:
Alexander Brosh, Shannon Fitzgerald
Reimagined Shipping Containers Elevated on Buoyant Foundations for Coastal Retreats

Project in-detail

Elevated shipping containers anchored by a buoyant concrete foundation create a sustainable retreat along the coast, offering a harmonious blend of private cabins and communal spaces designed for an immersive nature experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Shipping containers are elevated on a buoyant concrete foundation, allowing for minimal site disruption.
02
The design employs locally sourced wood cladding for durability and environmental integration.
03
Cabins feature large glass windows that create a seamless connection with the surrounding landscape.
04
Modular construction allows for flexible configurations based on occupancy needs.
05
Common areas are intentionally designed to promote social interaction among guests.
The Amber Road Cabins represent a thoughtful interaction between architecture and nature, achieving balance through sustainable design and innovative construction techniques. This project, located along an unspecified coastline, takes advantage of recycled shipping containers to create unique, modular living spaces that cater to both individual needs and communal experiences. Each cabin can accommodate four people, offering a practical solution for vacationers looking to engage with the natural surroundings while enjoying modern amenities.

The architecture of the Amber Road Cabins reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship. By choosing to use twenty-foot shipping containers as the primary structural elements, the project exemplifies an approach that prioritizes the reuse of materials. This decision not only helps reduce waste but also invites a dialogue about the potential of repurposing utilities within contemporary architectural practices. The cabins rest on a concrete flotation system that ensures stability while minimizing environmental impact. This clever design eliminates the need for invasive site alterations, preserving the coastal ecosystem in which these cabins reside.

Functionally, the project serves dual purposes. It provides individual private spaces for guests while promoting community interaction through shared areas. The cabins are anchored onto a pier that extends gracefully from the shoreline, allowing for a cohesive integration with the landscape. This design encourages social engagement among visitors, encouraging a sense of camaraderie while still allowing for privacy when desired. The strategic layout of the cabins means that each unit has access to views of the water and surrounding nature, enhancing the overall living experience.

Attention to materiality is one of the project's most significant aspects. The architects selected locally sourced wood for cladding, which exudes warmth and character while being inherently sustainable. The use of concrete for the flotation system ensures durability and supports the cabins against the often-challenging marine conditions. Styrofoam serves as a buoyancy aid in this foundation design, reflecting an innovative method of building that can withstand the forces of nature without compromising the ecological integrity of the site. Large glass windows throughout the cabins facilitate ample natural light, fostering a connection between the interior and the picturesque exterior landscape.

The Amber Road Cabins also integrate unique design approaches that speak to contemporary architectural practices. The modular nature of the project allows for flexibility in configuration, enabling various combinations of units depending on occupancy demand. This aspect not only serves practical purposes in terms of cost-effectiveness and efficiency but also embodies an adaptable architecture that can respond to diverse user needs. Additionally, the playful color palette of the shipping containers adds a lively aesthetic dimension, enhancing the overall appeal of the cabins while ensuring they blend harmoniously into the coastal environment.

In summary, the Amber Road Cabins stand as a model of thoughtful architecture that integrates sustainable practices with user-friendly design. The project showcases a harmonious balance between the built environment and the natural world, emphasizing the importance of ecological responsibility in architectural endeavors. Readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation further to delve into the specifics of the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs that highlight these innovative approaches and the underlying architectural ideas that shaped this unique project.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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