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Emphasis on Natural Light Through Expansive Glass and Tropical Hardwood in a Coastal Residence

Authors:
Alfonso Froylan Tellez Ramirez, Joseline Solis Martinez, Jose Roberto Garcia Chavez
Emphasis on Natural Light Through Expansive Glass and Tropical Hardwood in a Coastal Residence

Project in-detail

With a focus on expansive glass facades and the warmth of tropical hardwood, this coastal residence optimizes natural light while seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor spaces for comfortable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Maximizes natural light through strategically placed glass panels.
02
Features a central courtyard that enhances ventilation and visual connectivity.
03
Constructed with local tropical hardwoods to reduce environmental impact.
04
Incorporates shading devices designed to regulate heat without obstructing views.
05
Utilizes thermal mass properties of concrete for passive temperature control.

**Overview**
Located in Chicxulub, Progreso, Yucatán, Mexico, the project in question emphasizes the integration of contemporary architectural design with the surrounding tropical landscape. The design responds to the local climate characterized by warm temperatures and abundant sunlight, aiming to optimize daylight within functional and comfortable spaces while maintaining a connection to the natural environment.

**Spatial Strategy**
The spatial layout is intentionally designed to enhance natural light and air flow throughout the interior. A central courtyard serves as a communal gathering space, allowing light to penetrate deeper into the structure. Living areas—including the kitchen, dining room, and living room—are oriented to maximize views and light exposure, while private spaces such as bedrooms are designed to ensure privacy without sacrificing natural light. The pool area, positioned adjacent to the living spaces, contributes to the recreational aspects of the design and enhances the overall ambiance.

**Materiality and Sustainability**
The material choices reflect a commitment to sustainability and climate responsiveness. The primary structural components feature concrete, which offers durability and thermal mass for effective indoor temperature regulation. Marble is used for flooring and vertical surfaces, enhancing aesthetic appeal while reflecting light. Extensive use of glass enables expansive views and maximizes natural light admissions, while tropical hardwood finishes add warmth and tactile contrast. Strategies for light manipulation include overhangs and shading devices that regulate light levels and reduce heat gain, thus fostering energy efficiency in alignment with contemporary sustainable architectural practices.

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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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