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Natural Airflow and Steel Framework Enhancing Community Living

Authors:
Adriana Acosta, Sara Buitrago, Michelle Carroll, Jeisi Tobon
Natural Airflow and Steel Framework Enhancing Community Living

Project in-detail

With a focus on natural airflow and a robust steel framework, the design enhances community living while prioritizing sustainability and ecological preservation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural airflow is prioritized through strategic openings, improving indoor climate.
02
The design features distinct functional zones to enhance community interaction.
03
A robust steel framework ensures durability while minimizing environmental impact.
04
Materials include pre-lacquered and galvanized steel, contributing to energy efficiency.
05
The layout is oriented to harness the region's prevailing winds for cooling.

The design for La Loma is located in the Historic Center of Barranquilla, Colombia. It addresses important urban challenges by focusing on environmental sustainability. The project aims to improve the local ecosystem while accommodating necessary urban growth. By taking advantage of the area’s northeast orientation, which allows for natural airflow, the design seeks to reduce high temperatures and encourage a sense of community among residents.

Design Concept

The main idea behind the design is the thoughtful integration of nature and responsiveness to the environment. Each aspect of the layout is planned to optimize airflow and protect local biodiversity. With high-rise buildings proposed for the area, the project takes care to ensure that ecological disruption is minimized. The design promotes connections between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing for improved comfort and well-being for the people living there.

Functional Zoning

The layout features distinct functional areas for activities such as cooking, resting, and working. By clearly defining these spaces, the design supports easy use and encourages interaction among residents. The arrangement promotes smooth movement between indoor and outdoor environments. This organization not only enhances daily life but also nurtures a strong sense of community.

Material Considerations

Thoughtful material choices contribute to the project’s durability and energy efficiency. Several materials used include pre-lacquered and galvanized steel templates, insulated components, and wood panels. These selections enhance the building's structural integrity while playing a key role in maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures. The choice of materials also aligns with the project’s goal of reducing impact on the environment.

Natural Integration

Visual representations of the project highlight its clarity and harmony with the landscape. Design features such as strategically placed openings allow for natural ventilation and plenty of daylight. This aspect helps keep living spaces bright and inviting. By focusing on these elements, the design reflects a commitment to livability while preserving the unique ecological aspects of La Loma, balancing growth and nature in a thoughtful way.

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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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