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Movable Slats and Volcanic Rock Define a Sustainable Family Residence in Tenerife

Author:
José Carlos Díaz Linares
Movable Slats and Volcanic Rock Define a Sustainable Family Residence in Tenerife

Project in-detail

Utilizing movable slats for light modulation and volcanic rock for structural integration, the residence harmoniously blends traditional Canarian architecture with modern sensibilities, creating a functional family home in Tenerife.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes horizontal movable slats to control light and privacy.
02
Incorporates natural volcanic rock for enhanced thermal performance.
03
Features a semi-basement layout to optimize site coverage and aesthetics.
04
Design encourages seamless integration between indoor and outdoor spaces.
05
Emphasizes sustainable practices through passive solar heating strategies.

### Project Overview
Located on the island of Tenerife, the design integrates cultural aspects of Canarian architecture with contemporary architectural strategies, creating a dialogue between the built environment and the diverse natural landscapes of the region, which include the Atlantic Ocean and Teide Volcano. The intent is to enhance the relationship between light and space while maintaining responsiveness to the local climate.

### Spatial Organization
The design adopts a multi-level layout to balance functionality and aesthetic appeal. The ground floor accommodates the main living areas, including a lounge and office, oriented to provide expansive views of the outdoor landscape. Generous openings facilitate natural light and promote airflow, essential in warm climates. The first floor is designated for bedrooms, which include horizontal movable slats to modulate light while ensuring privacy. The semi-basement houses service areas such as bathrooms and a garage, minimizing visual impact and capitalizing on natural rock formations for improved thermal performance. Outdoor spaces, including a swimming pool and terraces, further enhance user engagement with the environment.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Material selection is critical, emphasizing both local traditions and modern construction techniques. Structural concrete provides durability and thermal mass; expansive glass windows foster transparency and connectivity to the outdoors; natural rock elements integrate with the landscape, acknowledging the site’s volcanic heritage; wood features add warmth; and metal details enhance the contemporary aesthetic. The design prioritizes sustainability, with large overhangs to mitigate solar gain during summer and circular openings in service areas that promote natural lighting, thereby reducing reliance on artificial sources. The project exemplifies an approach that harmonizes energy efficiency with a strong sense of place.

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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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