Competition: Kingspan Microhome Competition
Year: 2024
Type: Residential- ECO
Scope: Modelling, Design
Year: 2024
Type: Residential- ECO
Scope: Modelling, Design
Group members: Alia Moenes, Sara Essam
By utilizing the biological principles of the Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)—a species distinguished by its high degree of environmental plasticity and physiological resilience—this micro-residential prototype integrates advanced sustainable technologies with a design philosophy rooted in biomimicry. The project seeks to synthesize the adaptive mechanisms of the Tilapia into a built form that prioritizes modular flexibility and ecological equilibrium. Consequently, the structure reflects a commitment to three core pillars: architectural adaptability, long-term environmental sustainability, and the integration of intelligent living systems.
Situated on Dahab Island, the microhome serves as a critical counter-narrative to the urban challenges of Cairo, specifically addressing the negative externalities of high density, atmospheric pollution, and demographic saturation. Dahab Island’s unique status as a car-free enclave provides a sequestered, yet accessible, site for this floating habitat. By leveraging this specific riparian context, the design fosters a symbiotic relationship between the occupant and the natural ecosystem, proposing a viable model for harmonious, high-density aquatic living.
