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Natural Ventilation and Daylight-Driven Design in a Climate-Responsive Space

Author:
Enrique Guadarrama mondragon
Natural Ventilation and Daylight-Driven Design in a Climate-Responsive Space

Project in-detail

With large openings designed for natural ventilation and daylight, the project responds to local climate conditions while providing adaptable spaces for occupant comfort and interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural ventilation is achieved through strategically placed openings, minimizing reliance on mechanical systems.
02
The use of charred wooden shingles enhances durability while providing a distinctive aesthetic.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to structural strength and thermal performance.
04
The bent A-frame design optimizes interior space and facilitates daylight penetration.
05
Adaptive comfort strategies are employed to accommodate diverse occupant preferences.

The design explores the complex relationship between occupants and their environments, highlighting how user actions can affect the performance of spaces. It is situated in a context that encourages environmental efficiency and interaction. The aim is to create an architectural response that not only meets the needs of users but also adapts to local climate conditions. This perspective offers a fresh approach to the challenges of modern living while embracing sustainability principles.

Adaptive Comfort

The concept of adaptive comfort serves as a foundation for the design. It allows for greater flexibility in how occupants can adjust their surroundings according to their preferences. Understanding comfort as a personal choice means that individuals can find their own balance between indoor and outdoor conditions. By reducing reliance on mechanical systems, the design promotes a healthier interaction with the environment.

Environmental Strategies

Innovative practices focused on low-energy architecture reduce overall carbon emissions. The design emphasizes that buildings do not consume energy on their own; instead, it is the actions of the inhabitants that drive energy use. This understanding fosters spaces where occupants feel a stronger connection to their environment, ultimately leading to lower energy consumption and greater awareness of sustainability.

Integration of Natural Elements

Natural elements play a crucial role in maintaining a comfortable indoor climate. The design emphasizes natural ventilation and the use of daylight, allowing spaces to remain bright and inviting. Specific materials are not explicitly listed, but the design suggests careful consideration of resources that support energy efficiency and respond to the surrounding environment.

User-Centric Approach

A focus on the needs of occupants is central to the design methodology. Variations in individual responses to environmental changes highlight the importance of adaptability in comfort levels. Research indicates that comfort temperatures can differ significantly from standard calculations. This insight reinforces the connection between occupant lifestyle and local climate, creating a more personalized experience.

Large windows are strategically positioned to invite ample natural light into the space, reducing the need for artificial lighting and creating an engaging atmosphere. This thoughtful design element fosters a sense of connection between the indoor and outdoor environments.

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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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