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Microperforated Steel Enclosure Enhances Community Spaces in Puebla

Authors:
Belén Pérez montelongo, Camila Giaconi, Sabrina Do Canto
Microperforated Steel Enclosure Enhances Community Spaces in Puebla

Project in-detail

The use of microperforated steel on the facade creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, while the carefully organized program integrates residential units, coworking spaces, and communal areas in Puebla.
5 key facts about this project
01
The facade utilizes microperforated steel panels for light modulation.
02
A central service nucleus organizes the building's diverse functions.
03
Color coding distinguishes between hostel, coworking, and residential areas.
04
Terraces integrated at various levels enhance outdoor connectivity.
05
The design prioritizes both tranquility and energy through spatial arrangement.

The new tower in Puebla de Fontava stands out in its environment while respectfully honoring the area's historical context. Designed to accommodate multiple functions, the building includes residential units, coworking spaces, and communal areas. The overall concept focuses on blending innovative design with the existing landscape, creating a structure that fosters both connectivity and functionality.

Design Concept

The tower's design contrasts with the surrounding terrain, emerging prominently while drawing inspiration from pre-existing architecture. A free floor plan connects various spaces, organized around a central service area. This layout optimizes circulation, making it easy for people to move through and interact within the building.

Facade and Visual Dynamics

The building's facade features a solid skin with carefully placed perforations. These openings not only enhance its visual appeal but also allow natural light to flood the interior spaces. The balance of solid and void creates a lively atmosphere. Terraces and double-height areas strengthen the connection between indoor and outdoor environments, contributing to an inviting overall feel.

Programmatic Integration

The design includes a range of spaces tailored for specific functions. Residential areas, coworking facilities, and social spots are distributed throughout the tower. Each section is marked by different colors; green indicates calm hostel spaces, blue designates lively coworking areas, and purple symbolizes wellness in residences. This thoughtful arrangement encourages community interaction while serving individual needs.

Materiality and Structural Integrity

Materials are carefully selected to support both the design and performance of the tower. A 20 cm cellular block wall with plaster provides solid construction, while a 40 cm equipped wall adds stability. Reinforced concrete is used for the slabs, beams, and pillars, ensuring the structure's strength. Additionally, microperforated steel panels filter light into the interior, enhancing the overall experience for users.

The upper void acts as a terrace, offering a space for relaxation and connecting the building to its surroundings. This detail also gives the tower a distinctive shape, contributing to its presence in the landscape.

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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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