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Modular Pavilion Crafted from Reusable Plastic Boxes in a Community Reading Space

Authors:
Ana sofia Lozano rincón, Daniela Treviño guerra, Gustavo Valdés rosales
Modular Pavilion Crafted from Reusable Plastic Boxes in a Community Reading Space

Project in-detail

Constructed from reusable plastic fruit boxes, the pavilion serves as a versatile community reading space that encourages social interaction and fosters a love for literature in an inviting urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed entirely from reusable plastic fruit boxes, promoting sustainable practices.
02
The pavilion integrates plants for natural ventilation and light regulation.
03
Three distinct seating types cater to different user needs and preferences.
04
Symbols are used throughout to guide user navigation and engagement.
05
Designed to facilitate community interaction within a vibrant urban environment.

Box by Box is a portable reading room located in Parque Arboleda, a public plaza in San Pedro Garza Garcia. The design focuses on promoting community interaction and enhancing the enjoyment of literature in a shared space. The approach emphasizes modularity and sustainability, creating an environment that fosters both social and ecological connections among visitors.

Design Concept

The concept of Box by Box centers around the use of reusable plastic fruit boxes as the main building blocks of the pavilion. This choice supports sustainability by making use of materials that can be repurposed, reducing waste while providing functional space for the community. The structure serves multiple purposes, including seating, bookshelves, and bicycle racks, allowing it to adapt to various activities.

Seating Arrangements

Inside the pavilion, three types of seating arrangements address differing user needs. Informal seating for children is created by joining two boxes without backrests, encouraging playful engagement with the area. Standard chairs with backrests cater to adults, while chaise lounges provide comfortable spots for relaxation. These varied seating options promote accessibility, inviting families and individuals to gather and enjoy their reading time.

Integration of Nature

Plants are incorporated into the top sections of the pavilion to improve the atmosphere while allowing air circulation. This design choice brings nature into the space, filtering natural light and shielding users from direct sunlight and rain. The greenery enhances the pavilion's inviting quality, helping to create a comfortable environment for reading and social interaction.

User Interaction

Visual symbols are integrated throughout the pavilion to assist users in navigating the space and understanding intended behaviors. These features enhance the overall experience, making it easier for visitors to engage with reading materials and each other. Box by Box aims to provide equal access to literature and green areas, encouraging interaction among diverse social groups in the community.

In the center of the pavilion, the modular design allows for dynamic use that encourages social connections. A carefully curated selection of literature invites visitors to immerse themselves in reading, enriching the urban context while enhancing the welcoming nature of the space.

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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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