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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.

# Architectural Design Report: Cafecol Ecological Cafeteria

## Project Overview
The Cafecol Ecological Cafeteria is situated on the grounds of the Universidad Autónoma de México State (UAEZ) in Toluca, Mexico. This 105.5 m² facility integrates sustainable architectural practices within an urban context, aiming to function as both a commercial establishment and an educational resource for ecological awareness. The design emphasizes a connection to local agricultural traditions and aims to promote environmental consciousness among visitors.

## Spatial Strategy and User Interaction
The layout of Cafecol is intentionally designed to facilitate user interaction with both the built environment and surrounding nature. Dining areas and kitchens are strategically positioned to support flow and functionality while incorporating indoor and outdoor seating options to enhance communal experiences. Transparency is achieved through extensive use of glass, allowing natural light to permeate the space and connecting patrons visually with the external landscape. Additionally, the cafeteria functions as a living classroom, offering educational opportunities regarding sustainable food practices and organic agriculture.

## Material Selection and Environmental Considerations
Material choices are paramount in fostering sustainability and aesthetic cohesion. The use of local gravel for landscaping and structural components reduces the ecological footprint, while clay provides historical relevance and structural integrity. Glass facades not only optimize light penetration but also blend the internal atmosphere with the external environment. The integration of wood adds warmth to the design, and steel elements contribute durability. Furthermore, sustainable features such as rainwater harvesting systems and natural ventilation mechanisms underscore the commitment to energy efficiency and conservation, adapting to the region's climatic conditions while promoting biodiversity through thoughtfully designed green spaces.

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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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