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Circular Home Designed with Steel Frame and Expansive Glass in Lush Costa Rican Landscape

Author:
Marco Avila oconitrillo
Circular Home Designed with Steel Frame and Expansive Glass in Lush Costa Rican Landscape

Project in-detail

With a circular design that embraces both steel framing and expansive glass to harmonize with the lush Costa Rican environment, the home offers a contemporary living experience focused on sustainability and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
The home’s circular design fosters natural airflow and light distribution throughout the space.
02
Utilizes a steel frame that enhances structural integrity while allowing for large spans of glass.
03
Incorporates locally sourced materials to reduce environmental impact and support regional economies.
04
Features a rainwater harvesting system integrated into the landscape design for efficient water management.
05
Combines open living areas with flexible spatial arrangements to accommodate various lifestyles.
The project designed by Marco Avila Oconitrillo, known as the Silo-Home, is an innovative architectural endeavor situated in the lush environment of Costa Rica. This micro-home exemplifies a thoughtful approach to sustainable living while addressing the contemporary need for efficiency and functionality in residential designs. The architecture of the Silo-Home represents a modern understanding of space, nature, and humanity, encapsulated in a circular form that is both visually engaging and pragmatically efficient.

The Silo-Home serves not only as a dwelling but also as a model for future residential projects focused on sustainability. Its unique circular design enhances natural ventilation and light, creating a welcoming atmosphere that connects residents with their surroundings. The architectural design allows for seamless integration with the landscape, promoting a lifestyle that values environmental stewardship. With an emphasis on energy efficiency, the project showcases how homes can be both aesthetic and resource-conscious.

Among the essential features of the Silo-Home are its structural elements, which include a robust steel framing that offers durability and stability while minimizing energy consumption. The use of large glass panels around the living spaces enhances the sense of openness, allowing residents to enjoy panoramic views of the landscape. This connection between the interior and exterior is central to the project's ethos, as it encourages a closer relationship with nature.

The choice of materials plays a significant role in the overall functionality and aesthetic appeal of the home. The strategic use of wood paneling within the living area adds warmth, creating an inviting environment that harmonizes with the surrounding greenery. The combination of robust materials like steel and lighter elements such as glass speaks to a balanced architectural language, where strength and beauty coexist. While the project incorporates eco-friendly technologies, such as solar panels, its design philosophy embraces locally sourced materials that further reinforce its sustainability goals.

A particularly interesting aspect of the Silo-Home is its adaptability to various lifestyles. The architectural layout can accommodate a diverse range of living situations, from temporary vacation retreats to permanent residences. This flexibility highlights an understanding of modern living arrangements, where people increasingly seek homes that can shift to meet their evolving needs. Each space within the house is purposefully designed to maximize utility while minimizing waste, presenting a thoughtful response to the compact living trend.

Moreover, the project's circular approach is unique in residential architecture, setting it apart from conventional rectangular homes. This design not only allows for a more efficient flow of space but also embodies a principle of inclusivity, offering a communal feel that is often lacking in traditional housing. The Silo-Home encapsulates a vision for more human-centered environments that encourage interaction and community, even in a small footprint.

In conclusion, the Silo-Home by Marco Avila Oconitrillo exemplifies a thoughtful and contemporary approach to architectural design. By prioritizing sustainability, functionality, and the connection to nature, this project serves as a significant reference point for future developments in micro-housing. Readers interested in delving deeper into the architectural plans, sections, and designs of this project are encouraged to explore the full presentation for additional insights and details that illustrate its innovative ideas and practical applications.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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