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Light-Filled Spaces Enhanced by Recycled Plywood and Local Stone in Tropical Living Environment

Author:
Choi Haeun
Light-Filled Spaces Enhanced by Recycled Plywood and Local Stone in Tropical Living Environment

Project in-detail

Illuminated by strategically placed light wells, a composition of recycled plywood and local stone articulates a seamless indoor-outdoor connection in a sustainable residence designed for a tropical climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed with multiple courtyards to enhance airflow and outdoor living.
02
Utilizes recycled plywood for roofing, promoting sustainable material use.
03
Incorporates light wells to maximize natural light penetration throughout the interior.
04
Features local stone in the facade, connecting the structure to its environmental context.
05
Integrates passive cooling strategies to manage heat in a tropical climate effectively.

## Analytical Report on Casa Bacalar

### Project Overview

Casa Bacalar is situated on Costera 603 in Bacalar, Quintana Roo, Mexico. The design focuses on optimizing the unique lighting conditions of the tropical climate, emphasizing the interplay between shadows and light to foster a connection with the natural surroundings. By prioritizing a layout that promotes both privacy and expansive views of the lake, the architecture aims to create a harmonious indoor-outdoor experience.

### Spatial Organization and Natural Connectivity

The design is organized around a central corridor that directs movement toward the lake, facilitating a fluid connection between interconnected spaces, courtyards, and outdoor areas. This spatial arrangement enhances natural ventilation and daylighting, allowing for a diverse spatial experience that encourages interaction with the environment. The use of multiple courtyards contributes to both functional and aesthetic goals, providing light and ventilation while establishing tranquil zones for relaxation and recreation.

### Materiality and Sustainability

A strong focus on material selection underscores a commitment to sustainability and local authenticity. The project employs a variety of carefully chosen materials, including concrete for structural elements, recycled plywood sourced locally for roofing, and natural stone for exterior walls. These choices not only contribute to the building's thermal performance and durability but also reflect a sensitivity to the local architectural context. The materials are treated to enhance their natural textures, fostering a tactile relationship between the occupants and their surroundings.

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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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