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Cement Block Design Featuring Communal Spaces and Sustainable Features

Authors:
Sueli Garcia, Maria elvira Rosete
Cement Block Design Featuring Communal Spaces and Sustainable Features

Project in-detail

Constructed from cement blocks, this compact dwelling integrates communal spaces with sustainable design features to create an efficient living environment for individuals and couples in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a central communal area that encourages social interaction.
02
Cement blocks are utilized to promote affordability and ease of construction.
03
Volumetric windows enhance natural light while minimizing heat gain.
04
A rooftop solarium serves as an extension of the living space for social gatherings.
05
Sustainable technologies, including thermal solar panels, support energy efficiency.

The BURITI MICROHOME is a compact housing solution designed for urban residents in Brazil. This dwelling caters to the needs of individuals and couples, balancing functional living with cultural elements. Its layout promotes a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, making it suitable for modern lifestyles while reflecting local traditions.

Cultural Integration

The design centers around a communal space that invites togetherness. Within this area, a round table and stove are key features, symbolizing traditional Brazilian practices. This central arrangement enhances social interaction, making it a gathering point for residents and their families. The warmth of the space encourages a sense of belonging and connection to cultural heritage.

Environmental Considerations

The BURITI MICROHOME takes climate into account through features such as volumetric windows and wood brise-soleil panels. These elements not only allow light into the home but also help manage temperature and airflow. In a tropical climate, this thoughtful design promotes comfort and reduces the need for artificial cooling, creating a pleasant indoor environment year-round.

Material Efficiency

Cement blocks are utilized as the primary building material, providing a practical solution for affordable housing. This choice reflects an understanding of local construction methods and the requirements of low-income communities. Cement blocks are accessible, allowing for easy replication of the home across different regions, which addresses the ongoing housing shortage in Brazil.

Functional Design Features

The rooftop solarium serves as an extension of the living space, emphasizing outdoor connectivity. This area can be used for leisure and social gatherings, making it a versatile part of the home. In addition, the incorporation of self-sustaining technologies like thermal solar panels and water management systems enhances energy efficiency.

Every aspect of the BURITI MICROHOME is carefully considered to enhance daily living while honoring cultural roots. The combination of communal spaces, practical materials, and sustainable features creates a dwelling that meets modern needs effectively.

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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
competition now

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