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Cantilevered Living Space Optimizing Local Materials and Compact Footprint

Authors:
Rodrigo Posada fernandez, Ricardo Canett reyes
Cantilevered Living Space Optimizing Local Materials and Compact Footprint

Project in-detail

The cantilevered concrete slab extends above the landscape, creating a compact living space that maximizes energy efficiency and accommodates a young couple and their guests within a 25 square meter footprint.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cantilevered design minimizes land impact while enhancing views.
02
Utilizes a 25 square meter footprint for efficient living.
03
Mezzanine level accommodates extra guests in a compact space.
04
Incorporates local materials to blend with the natural environment.
05
Optimized orientation improves energy efficiency and comfort.

Bahia Turquesa 25 showcases a thoughtful approach to compact living through a well-designed structure that balances space efficiency with environmental responsibility. Located in the Peninsula of California, the dwelling serves a young couple and two additional guests by utilizing a mezzanine, all contained within a compact area of 25 square meters. The design concept highlights a commitment to advanced technology and eco-friendly practices while responding effectively to the region's specific climatic challenges.

Design Concept

The project emphasizes practicality and sustainability by orienting the building to maximize natural light and enhance thermal comfort. These features are crucial for navigating the area's challenging weather patterns. The emphasis on energy efficiency aligns with modern architectural goals to minimize ecological impact while still providing a comfortable living environment.

Structural Features

A prominent aspect of Bahia Turquesa 25 is the cantilevered concrete slab, which minimizes disruption to the land beneath. This design element allows for a connection between the building and its surroundings, creating an interaction with the landscape. The focus on reducing land impact demonstrates a modern understanding of how structures can coexist with nature while fulfilling their intended purpose.

Aesthetic Integration

The building's visual impact comes from fluid shapes and a harmonious color palette that blends with the environment. This deliberate choice ensures that the structure complements its surroundings, fostering a mutual relationship with the natural landscape. Using locally sourced materials further establishes this connection, enhancing the home’s sense of place within its geographic context.

The final design features reveal an emphasis on both efficiency and balance. The extension of cantilevered forms bridges the built space with the landscape, encouraging connections with the natural world.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
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