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Central Opening and Wayuu Fabric in a Community-Focused Shelter

Authors:
Carlos Garcia, Alejandro Franco, Santiago Salgado
Central Opening and Wayuu Fabric in a Community-Focused Shelter

Project in-detail

A central opening and the use of Wayuu fabric create a distinctive shelter that integrates cultural traditions with sustainable living, designed to serve as a functional community space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central opening enhances natural light and ventilation throughout the space.
02
Incorporates Wayuu fabric to facilitate airflow while retaining sand.
03
Hexagonal layout promotes efficient circulation and functional separation of areas.
04
Designed to reflect and integrate local cultural traditions and practices.
05
Built-in furniture solutions maximize space efficiency and comfort.

CANOPY is an exploration of the essence of home, located in a setting that merges natural and cultural features. The design focuses on the roof as a critical element, serving both as a practical shelter and a symbol of safety and dignity. The concept creates a loft-like environment, encouraging a strong connection between indoor spaces and the outdoors.

Spatial Organization

The layout uses a hexagonal form that creates a unique spatial arrangement. This geometric choice allows for distinct zones, separating areas for social interaction from service functions. Each space flows into the next, supporting easy movement and adaptability. The design aims to accommodate various activities, making it functional for both work and leisure.

Central Opening

A central opening is a key feature, allowing natural light and air to enter the building. This element enhances the internal space by providing brightness and ventilation. The opening also connects the structure to its surroundings, promoting a sense of openness. By embracing the outside environment, it ensures that the interior climate remains comfortable.

Cultural Integration

The architecture is grounded in its geographical context, reflecting local culture and environmental conditions. Traditional practices influence the design, as seen in the choice of materials. For example, fabric from the Wayuu community allows for airflow while honoring local customs. The use of Guineo palm tissue helps manage humidity, revealing a focus on sustainability and community connection.

Functional Adaptability

The interior layout includes essential service areas like toilets, workspaces, and kitchens, all designed to maximize usability. Furniture solutions are built-in, such as a bed on a raised platform, ensuring comfort and efficient use of space. This adaptability meets the varied needs of users, balancing functionality with livability.

The choice of wooden elements in the design echoes local craftsmanship, adding a warm touch to the spaces. This attention to materials serves to enrich the overall atmosphere while maintaining a connection to the surrounding culture.

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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

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