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Textile Waste Micro Homes with Ocean Views Featuring Integrated Solar Solutions and Adaptive Living Spaces

Textile Waste Micro Homes with Ocean Views Featuring Integrated Solar Solutions and Adaptive Living Spaces
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Constructed from repurposed textile waste, these micro homes offer innovative insulation and passive cooling solutions, all while providing essential housing with expansive ocean views in a sustainable framework.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes repurposed textile waste as the primary building material for insulation and structure.
02
Incorporates a desalination system for sustainable water supply from ocean resources.
03
Features passive ventilation systems designed to enhance indoor climate control naturally.
04
Arranged in cantilevered configurations to maximize ocean views and optimize drainage.
05
Employs local materials, including Radiata pine, to support regional ecological practices.

### Overview

Located in the Tarapacá Region of Chile, near Iquique City and adjacent to the Atacama Desert, the "Re-Constructed Outlook" project addresses the environmental challenges posed by textile waste from the fast fashion industry. The initiative centers on creating eco-friendly micro homes, focusing on sustainability and aesthetics through the innovative use of recycled materials. This design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the area but also fosters a deeper connection between residents and their environment.

### Material Utilization Strategy

The project employs various innovative materials that emphasize sustainability and functional design. The primary construction element is textile waste, repurposed into thermal insulation blocks through a process of shredding, binding with organic casein-based adhesives, and molding. This method ensures structural integrity while providing insulation and visual interest. Additional materials include recycled glass sourced from polluted beaches and sustainably harvested Radiata pine wood. Solar panels are integrated into the design to harness renewable energy, while passive ventilation elements improve indoor climate control. This combination reflects a thoughtful approach to materiality, addressing both ecological performance and aesthetic considerations.

### Architectural and Spatial Configuration

The layout of the micro homes features cantilevered structures that extend toward the ocean, optimizing views and enabling drainage during high tides. An open floor plan enhances functionality, accommodating fold-out furniture to maximize usable space and adapt to various living situations. Each unit is equipped with a desalination system that converts ocean water into drinking water, illustrating a responsive design tailored to the region's resources and climate. The project not only meets housing needs but also serves as a model for community engagement and environmental awareness through its educational potential and support for local economies.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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