In response to rising sea levels threatening Banraeaba, South Tarawa, this project proposes a floating community that preserves social, cultural, and ecological continuity. The modular, adaptive infrastructure accommodates current and future populations, fostering communal cohesion while integrating traditional knowledge and practices.

Constructed from locally sourced, renewable materials—bamboo, coconut timber, palm leaves, and coral stone - the design blends vernacular techniques with modern floating technology, ensuring resilience and sustainability. The community incorporates housing, public spaces, water management, and facilities, allowing inhabitants to continue fishing, agriculture, and other traditional livelihoods.

Beyond habitation, the project addresses socio-economic challenges, easing pressure on informal settlements and offering a replicable model for vulnerable Polynesian regions. By 2100, the floating community aims to secure homes, culture, and livelihoods above rising waters, transforming climate threat into an opportunity for sustainable, resilient living.

About Jamal Hamsho:

Jamal Hamsho is a UAE-based architect and designer known for his innovative approach to architecture and furniture design. A top graduate of Ajman University, he combines technical precision with creative experimentation to craft distinctive, functional works. At P&T Architects, Jamal contributes to major projects including ALBA by Zaha Hadid and ORLA by Foster + Partners, specializing in façades, material detailing, and design coordination. Alongside his architectural practice, he runs a furniture design studio focused on sustainability and material reuse, transforming architectural waste into bespoke pieces featured in exhibitions.