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The Repurposed Oil Rigs Supporting Aquatic Communities with Urban Farming

Authors:
Mark Van Wasbeek, Jules Stefelmanns
The Repurposed Oil Rigs Supporting Aquatic Communities with Urban Farming
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Repurposed oil rigs form the foundation for a resilient water-based community, integrating fish farms and urban agriculture to create a sustainable habitat for future residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Repurposed oil rigs serve as structural foundations for the community.
02
Central tower integrates multifunctional spaces for living and working.
03
Fish farms and plastic harvesting stations enhance sustainability.
04
Designed to adapt to rising sea levels and environmental changes.
05
Urban farming towers support local food production and energy generation.

The conceptual idea presents a vision for a post-sustainable urban environment set in the Netherlands in the year 2050. It addresses significant issues caused by climate change, such as rising sea levels and reduced land for agriculture. The concept revolves around a new society called Homo Maritimus, which lives on water. This community integrates residential, ecological, and technological features to create a functional and sustainable habitat.

Urban Structure

A central tower lies at the heart of the design, placed at the junction of two primary waterways. This tower serves various purposes for the water-based community. Its architectural form indicates a move toward sustainable living while acknowledging past environmental impacts. The tower acts as a center for community life, facilitating commercial activities alongside leisure spaces and promoting a lifestyle rooted in cooperation.

Community Integration

The layout encourages a close relationship between the tower and the surrounding environment. The arrangement of spaces within the tower enhances connections among residents, encouraging collaboration and resource sharing. Different zones for commercial, recreational, and residential use form a cohesive urban landscape. This organization makes the most of the available space, contributing to the overall functionality of the community while ensuring comfort for its inhabitants.

Ecological Considerations

Sustainability drives the design approach, with various ecological components included throughout the project. Surrounding the tower, there are fish farms, stations for plastic harvesting, and urban farm towers. These features highlight a commitment to environmental care. The community relies on modern agricultural techniques and renewable energy sourced from sunlight and wind, aiming for self-sufficiency in its daily operations.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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