2nd Prize Winner: Microhome 'Jenga'
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1st Prize Winner: Monsoon Pontoon
Award: €40,000
Author: Thomas William Ewing
Country: United Kingdom
Monsoon Pontoon is a flood-resilient microhome designed for the extreme monsoon conditions of Bangladesh. It incorporates an off-grid, amphibious structure that adapts to rising water levels. Built with locally sourced, sustainable materials like bamboo and recycled plastics, the design draws from traditional flood mitigation strategies, such as mound houses and stilt structures. Modular in nature, the home can evolve over time to meet changing needs. Environmental systems including rainwater harvesting, solar energy, and wastewater filtration are integrated. The flexible canopy system enhances passive cooling and ventilation, supporting comfortable living in humid climates while ensuring community resilience during seasonal floods.
Jury Summary Feedback
"This proposal addresses a highly relevant local challenge—flooding in Bangladesh—with a practical, context-specific solution that leverages locally available materials and construction techniques. The floatable microhome concept demonstrates a strong sensitivity to environmental conditions, incorporating structural reinforcements to withstand monsoon winds and seasonal flooding. This resilience, paired with material familiarity, supports both cultural and climatic appropriateness. While the interior layout could benefit from greater spatial optimisation—particularly in terms of material usage and openness—the design aligns well with local living norms and represents a socially grounded and technically thoughtful response to a pressing issue."
Sandra del Bove
Head of Innovation, Kingspan Group
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