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Seaweed Panels and Coconut Timber Create a Self-Sufficient Micro Home Emphasizing Sustainable Living

Authors:
Vivek Patil , Akanksha Nandagaoli
Seaweed Panels and Coconut Timber Create a Self-Sufficient Micro Home Emphasizing Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating seaweed panels and coconut timber, this micro home on Netra Island utilizes renewable materials and innovative design to promote sustainable living while providing a functional and communal space for its residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates locally sourced seaweed panels for insulation and sustainability.
02
Utilizes coconut timber as a primary structural material for its strength and renewability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and airflow.
04
Includes interlocking recycled blocks that enhance stability and reduce waste.
05
Integrates micro farming capabilities to support self-sufficient living for residents.

The Horizon Edge project presents an innovative architectural response to contemporary housing needs on Netra Island, located in the Arabian Sea. This micro-home initiative addresses pressing issues related to sustainability, ecological impact, and affordability, positioning itself as a model for future developments in sensitive environmental contexts. The architecture emphasizes efficient use of space while promoting a lifestyle that resonates with ecological values.

Design Representation and Functionality

Horizon Edge embodies the principles of micro-living tailored specifically for its lush tropical environment. The architecture maximizes utility within a compact footprint, illustrating how thoughtful design can create comfortable habitats without unnecessary resource consumption. The project's design integrates communal living spaces featuring large openings for natural light and ventilation, aiming for minimal reliance on artificial energy sources. The living area, kitchen, and dining zones are designed to function together seamlessly, further enhancing the sense of community among residents.

One of the defining aspects of this project is its commitment to sustainability. Sustainable practices are embedded in the design through the use of locally sourced, renewable materials, such as coconut timber and seaweed roof panels. These choices not only support local economies but also reduce transportation emissions and environmental impact. In addition, the incorporation of recycled interlocking blocks and hydrogel insulation panels demonstrates a dedication to innovative materials that bolster the building's efficiency and longevity.

Unique Design Approaches

What differentiates Horizon Edge from countless other projects lies in its holistic approach to community and environment. This micro-home integrates advanced technologies, including systems for rainwater harvesting and waste management. Such initiatives allow residents to engage actively in sustainability efforts, fostering a stronger connection to the surrounding ecology.

The architectural design also emphasizes multifunctionality. Spaces are adaptable, with features like foldable furniture and convertible areas that respond to the evolving needs of residents. This spatial efficiency is critical in maximizing the utility of smaller living areas without compromising comfort.

Moreover, the strategic orientation of the structure enhances its thermal performance by optimizing daylight and prevailing winds, exemplifying a technical understanding of climatic conditions. The careful arrangement of openings not only benefits energy conservation but also offers views that reinforce a connection with nature, thus enhancing the occupants' living experience.

Ongoing engagement with the community is another crucial element of the Horizon Edge project. The design includes areas for micro farming, enabling residents to grow their own food, which adds to self-sufficiency and reduces dependence on external resources. Overall, this architectural narrative aligns living conditions with a larger ecological framework, promoting a viable future for the island's inhabitants.

For a more in-depth understanding of the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs that inform the Horizon Edge project, interested readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation further for detailed insights into its unique architectural ideas and features.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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