Floating House

Islamic Azad University of Shabestar Branch

Idea projektu

It's a compact, efficient, and poetic architectural response designed for a temperate and humid landscape near a small lake. This house, based on the idea of maximum efficiency with minimum complexity, reinterprets traditional elevated dwellings in humid climates in a modular, minimalist, and contemporary form. Inspired by traditional stilt houses—built above ground level for air circulation and protection against moisture—this design raises the living space on a simple structure. A gentle ramp leads to the house, which not only serves as an access path but also functions as a resting/viewing platform at midday for locals in their daily lives.

Popis projektu

The building is a two-story wooden cube of approximately 70 square meters, designed for a couple. The ground floor includes a compact kitchen, living area, and workspace. The upper floor houses the bedroom, bathroom, and a private space for solitude and relaxation.
This project is a low-tech, self-built prototype designed for replication in rural or low-income areas, utilizing local labor and recycled materials. The estimated budget is between 5,000 to 6,000 euros, covering minimal labor costs and modular, prefabricated components for easy assembly. Although this design is not intended for standard urban construction, it offers a sustainable and affordable solution rooted in local identity. Under typical European conditions, building a similar 70-square-meter house usually costs between 40,000 to 70,000 euros, depending on location and regulations.

Technické informace

Sustainability is at the core of this project. The use of recycled wood and lightweight prefabricated concrete panels enables quick, affordable, and environmentally harmonious construction. Thanks to openings on all four sides and its elevated position, the house benefits from natural cross-ventilation. The roof is equipped with solar panels, allowing for off-grid energy supply.
The strength of this project lies in its modularity, local identity, and ecological intelligence combined with low-tech solutions, enabling easy replication and adaptation to similar climates and communities. With a limited construction budget, the floating house demonstrates how thoughtful design can provide a dignified, beautiful, and nature-integrated living environment.