Resilient Kiribati:
A Sustainable and Adaptive Living Model for the Future
It integrates traditional cultural elements, such as the "Maneaba" communal spaces, into a modular architectural system designed for resilience. The primary structure forms an inverted T-shape, creating sheltered urban spaces that encourage social interaction while being protected from environmental forces.
The modules are designed to float with tidal movements, anchored to the ground by structural columns. Sustainability is central to the design, incorporating solar panels, rainwater collection, and biogas production from organic waste. The housing units, accommodating up to 18 people, feature an open-plan ground floor with foldable walls, allowing for flexible use and ventilation. The upper floor contains communal sleeping areas with a centralized sanitary core. The construction prioritizes environmentally compatible materials, such as coconut fiber panels and reinforced aluminum elements where necessary.
To mitigate coastal erosion and enhance biodiversity, the project includes floating mangrove rafts, which will eventually establish natural root systems, forming a protective green barrier against waves. The design not only provides climate-adaptive housing but also fosters a biodiverse ecosystem, reinforcing Kiribati’s cultural and environmental sustainability.
