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Microperforated Steel Panels and Colorful Voids in a Multifunctional Tower

Authors:
Belén Pérez Montelongo, Camila Giaconi, Sabrina Do Canto
Microperforated Steel Panels and Colorful Voids in a Multifunctional Tower
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Microperforated steel panels and colorful voids define a new tower in Puebla de Fantova, offering versatile spaces for hostels, coworking, and residences.
5 key facts about this project
01
The tower incorporates microperforated steel panels for light filtration and privacy.
02
Colored glass voids enhance natural lighting and contribute to the building's aesthetic.
03
Setbacks in the perimeter pillars create a visually slender structure.
04
The design features distinct programmatic spaces identified by specific color themes.
05
Terraces and double-height spaces add dimension to the overall internal layout.

The design is located in Puebla de Fantova and features a tower that stands out in its landscape. It serves as a new landmark while engaging with existing elements in the area. The design centers around functionality with a free floor plan organized around a central service core. This setup promotes a flow of movement throughout the spaces and allows for a variety of uses.

Design Concept

The tower presents a solid exterior with perforations that create a balance between solid forms and empty spaces. These voids offer visual interest and allow natural light to enter, enhancing the experience inside. Terraces and double-height areas add complexity to the design, drawing inspiration from the organic shapes often associated with Gaudí. The use of color is also significant, contributing to the identity of the building.

Materiality

The building is constructed with thoughtful material choices. The perimeter wall consists of a 20 cm cellular block wall finished with plaster, backed by an equipped wall that measures 40 cm. Colorful voids are filled with glass that allows light to filter in while adding a visual element. The structural framework includes slabs, beams, and reinforced concrete pillars, ensuring stability. Perimeter pillars have setbacks, contributing to a slender appearance from different angles.

Programmatic Elements

Various spaces within the tower are identified by color, which reflects their specific functions. Green areas represent hostels, promoting a sense of calm. Blue zones are designated for coworking, encouraging energy and productivity. Residences are marked by purple, focusing on comfort and well-being. These color choices work with the arrangement of free floor plans, which enhance the sense of openness and connectivity.

Microperforated steel panels are used to control the entry of light, providing both illumination and privacy. This careful attention to detail in the design further establishes a strong architectural identity while enhancing the overall user experience. The interplay of elements throughout the tower creates a distinctive environment that responds to both the setting and its intended purpose.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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