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Water-Responsive Habitat Featuring Modular Floating Structures and Durable Fiberglass Reinforcement

Authors:
Hyeseon Lee, Yejin Rim, Ju hyun Bae, Seokha Seokha
Water-Responsive Habitat Featuring Modular Floating Structures and Durable Fiberglass Reinforcement

Project in-detail

Modular floating structures equipped with gyrostabilizers and durable fiberglass create a resilient living environment designed to adapt to rising water levels.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units can float and adapt to changing water levels.
02
Gyrostabilizer technology ensures structural stability on water.
03
Sustainable materials include corrosion-resistant fiberglass and timber.
04
Design incorporates designated evacuation spaces for safety.
05
Flexible configurations promote diverse community interactions.
The "Water Parachute" project is an architectural design that addresses the impacts of climate change on coastal urban environments. The design incorporates a modular system that allows residential units to adapt dynamically to fluctuating water levels. It represents a forward-thinking approach to architecture, prioritizing resilience, sustainability, and community engagement in the face of increasing flooding risks.

Each module within the project functions independently, allowing for various configurations that promote flexible living arrangements. The spatial organization includes areas designated for living, communal activities, educational purposes, and marketplace engagements. This organization ensures that essential services remain accessible even during extreme weather conditions.

Innovative design elements characterize the "Water Parachute" project. The use of a floating mechanism, enabled by a gyrostabilizer system, provides structural balance and stability on water. This unique feature distinguishes the project from traditional architectural approaches, where buildings are primarily fixed structures. Instead, this design creates a dynamic interaction with the environment, allowing for continuous adaptation to water movements.

Furthermore, the implementation of evacuation spaces highlights the project's focus on safety and responsiveness to emergencies. These designated areas are essential for ensuring the security of residents during flood events, reinforcing the architecture's role in safeguarding human life while maintaining a functioning community.

Unique to this project is its emphasis on modularity, which allows for the individualization of living spaces according to residents' needs. This adaptability within the architectural design promotes a collaborative community ethos while fostering a sense of belonging among inhabitants.

The materials selected for the construction are integral to the overall functionality and sustainability of the "Water Parachute." They include a combination of steel, reinforced concrete, and advanced composites useful in water-resistant applications. These materials not only ensure structural integrity but also enable the project to meet modern environmental standards.

To explore the "Water Parachute" project further, readers are encouraged to review the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs for a comprehensive understanding of its innovative features and concepts. The project offers valuable insights into future possibilities in architecture that marry design with ecological responsibility.
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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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