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Natural Light-Infused Space Featuring Local Gravel and Eco-Friendly Materials for Community Dining

Author:
David Jovan Valdovinos Granados
Natural Light-Infused Space Featuring Local Gravel and Eco-Friendly Materials for Community Dining

Project in-detail

Constructed with a thoughtful use of local gravel and expansive glass elements, the design promotes sustainability while creating an engaging space for community dining and ecological education.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a rainwater harvesting system to minimize water consumption.
02
Integrates extensive glass facades for enhanced natural lighting and panoramic views.
03
Constructed with locally sourced gravel for improved sustainability and cost efficiency.
04
Features communal dining areas designed to foster social interactions among patrons.
05
Incorporates eco-friendly materials that support the local ecosystem and biodiversity.
The Cafecol Ecological Cafeteria, situated within the Universidad Autónoma de México State (UAEZ) in Toluca, Mexico, encompasses a thoughtful architectural design that emphasizes sustainability and community engagement. Designed with a total area of 105.5 m², the cafeteria serves as a hub for organic food provision and ecological education, aligning itself with local practices and the culture of Mexican cuisine. The project showcases an integration of functional spaces that facilitate dining, food preparation, and community interaction while maintaining a strong connection to the natural surroundings.

Sustainability is at the core of the Cafecol design. The project employs a variety of low-impact materials, including local gravel, glass, clay, wood, and steel, each contributing to the building's ecological footprint while ensuring structural integrity and aesthetic cohesion. The transparent façade, primarily composed of glass, not only enhances natural light but also fosters visual connections between the interior and exterior environments. This design approach enhances the user experience by immersing patrons in the surrounding landscape.

Innovative design strategies differentiate the Cafecol project from typical cafeterias. The integration of rainwater harvesting systems significantly reduces the cafeteria's water consumption, demonstrating a commitment to resource conservation. Additionally, the layout encourages natural ventilation, decreasing the reliance on mechanical cooling and promoting energy efficiency. Thoughtfully arranged dining areas, both indoors and outdoors, create a communal atmosphere, inviting patrons to engage with each other and the environment.

The architectural layout comprises essential components: designated kitchen areas for food preparation, multifunctional dining spaces, and landscaped areas that further promote biodiversity. These elements reflect a heightened awareness of ecological impact while meeting the practical needs of the users. Cafecol is positioned to serve as a model for integrating sustainable practices within urban architectural frameworks, demonstrating a coherent relationship between built and natural environments.

The Cafecol Ecological Cafeteria stands as a testament to the potential of architecture to merge functionality with sustainability. For those interested in exploring the detailed aspects of this project, including architectural plans and sections, further insights into the design and layout can be found by reviewing the presentations available. This exploration offers deeper engagement with the architectural ideas that influenced the development of this unique space.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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