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Natural Regeneration Through Self-Shading Geometries in Urban Living Spaces

Authors:
Carlos enrique Rodríguez medrano, Emmanuel Rodríguez ortiz
Natural Regeneration Through Self-Shading Geometries in Urban Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Self-shading geometric forms create a sustainable urban living environment that fosters community connections while minimizing ecological impact.
5 key facts about this project
01
Self-shading geometry reduces energy consumption through natural light optimization.
02
Community clustering enhances social interaction and promotes shared spaces.
03
Vernacular influences adapt to local climate and cultural context.
04
Minimal footprint design preserves green areas and encourages biodiversity.
05
Flexible layouts allow for diverse living arrangements and adaptability.

The architectural design focuses on sustainable living within an urban environment, promoting community engagement alongside ecological efficiency. Located within a vibrant city, the design aims to utilize space effectively while nurturing social connections among residents. The concept emphasizes simplicity and functionality, employing geometric forms that cater to both the needs of users and the demands of the surrounding environment.

Design Philosophy

The design centers around reducing complexity in architectural forms while encouraging natural regeneration. It seeks to create buildings that work in harmony with their surroundings, minimizing ecological impact. By utilizing shapes that naturally provide shading and ventilation, the approach reduces dependence on mechanical systems and fosters a more balanced interaction between occupants and nature.

Spatial Configuration

The layout of the spaces is carefully arranged to maximize efficiency and enhance communal living. Shared areas are incorporated to strengthen community ties, encouraging collaboration and interaction in everyday life. Private spaces such as bedrooms and bathrooms are designed with precise dimensions to ensure comfort while maintaining compactness. This thoughtful organization responds actively to the urban context while also addressing the needs of residents.

Materiality Considerations

While specific materials are not detailed in the presentation, the approach suggests an emphasis on sustainability. By prioritizing local resources, the design reflects a commitment to reducing waste and environmental impact. The intention is clear: to create a living space that resonates with its environment while being responsible in material use.

Special attention is given to geometries that enhance natural light and reduce energy consumption. This emphasis on design detail not only serves practical purposes but also contributes to creating a more inviting and functional atmosphere for the residents.

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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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