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Biophilic Design Featuring Teak and Ceramic Integration in Affordable Housing

Authors:
Caitlin elizabeth Mckneely, Valentina Claros Irreno
Biophilic Design Featuring Teak and Ceramic Integration in Affordable Housing

Project in-detail

Combining a biophilic atrium with teak and ceramic finishes, this architectural approach promotes community engagement and creativity within an affordable housing environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Atrium integrates natural vegetation for enhanced biophilic connections.
02
Adaptation of existing structures minimizes environmental impact.
03
Community kitchens designed to foster social interaction among residents.
04
Use of teak wood promotes durability and aesthetic appeal.
05
Movable walls allow flexible space configurations for diverse activities.
The Soto House is an architectural project located in Austin, Texas, designed to provide affordable housing. This project integrates adaptive reuse concepts and emphasizes community interaction through a thoughtful layout that includes shared spaces and creative zones. The architecture of the Soto House embodies a commitment to sustainability and social engagement, illustrating a modern approach to housing in urban environments.

Community-Centric Design

A defining aspect of the Soto House is its acute focus on community. It features creative zones, communal kitchens, and an artisan market, fostering interaction among residents. The design encourages collaboration through shared experiences, aiming to develop not just a residential area but a cohesive community. The communal kitchens are equipped to facilitate social dining and create opportunities for residents to bond through food, while the artisan market serves as a platform for residents to showcase their creativity and entrepreneurial skills.

Biophilic Elements and Materiality

This project adopts biophilic design principles, effectively integrating nature within the architecture. The expansive atrium, filled with greenery, provides a calming environment that enhances residents' mental well-being. Extensive use of natural materials contributes to this connection with nature, incorporating teak wood, ceramic flooring, and glass throughout the communal spaces. These materials not only prioritize sustainability but also enhance the aesthetic quality of the interiors. The adaptation of existing structural elements demonstrates a sustainable approach to building design, minimizing waste and maintaining architectural heritage.

Functional Spaces and Flexibility

An essential characteristic of the Soto House is its functional design. The layout incorporates flexible spaces with movable walls and adjustability that cater to a range of activities, from artistic endeavors in creative studios to communal events in multi-purpose areas. The architectural sections reveal the careful organization of private and public areas, ensuring a balance between individual privacy and community engagement. This balance is crucial for fostering a supportive living environment where residents can thrive both socially and creatively.

To gain further insights into the Soto House and its innovative design, interested readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans and sections that provide a comprehensive view of the project. The architectural designs illustrate not only the aesthetic considerations but also the functional strategies employed to enhance community living. This analysis reveals how the Soto House serves as a model for integrating social connectivity and housing in contemporary architectural practice.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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