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Natural Wood and Concrete Solutions for Flexible Living in Urban Settings

Author:
Lorena Gámez hernández
Natural Wood and Concrete Solutions for Flexible Living in Urban Settings

Project in-detail

With a focus on modularity and the use of natural wood and concrete, this housing solution offers adaptable living spaces that integrate a co-work area to meet the needs of young professionals seeking balance in urban life.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular design allows for easy reconfiguration based on sunlight and views.
02
Co-work area is integrated as a central space for professional development.
03
Natural wood walls connect interiors to the surrounding environment.
04
Strategic window placement enhances natural light and outdoor connectivity.
05
Close proximity to urban amenities while ensuring a tranquil setting.

The ORIENTATION HOUSE project addresses the need for affordable housing in Monterrey, Nuevo León, where many young adults struggle to become homeowners. Located in the district of El Barrial, Santiago, the design offers a modern and modular approach that prioritizes adaptability and practicality. It creates a living space that meets both residential and work needs while balancing the peace of nature with access to city life.

Modular Design

The architecture uses a modular design that enhances flexibility and customization. Residents can rearrange the internal spaces based on their preferences and the angle of sunlight. This design approach allows homes to maximize natural light and air circulation, fostering a comfortable and sustainable living environment.

Co-Work Integration

A key feature of ORIENTATION HOUSE is the co-work area, which is an important part of the layout. This office space allows residents to focus on their professional goals, reflecting how modern life often blends home and work. This thoughtful inclusion addresses the needs of individuals seeking a balance between personal and professional pursuits in their daily lives.

Environmental Context

The location provides a peaceful natural environment while remaining close to urban opportunities. El Barrial offers residents a chance to enjoy quiet surroundings, making it easier to relax or concentrate on work. The position of ORIENTATION HOUSE bridges the calm of rural life with the conveniences of a city, catering to those looking for a balanced lifestyle.

Materiality

The project features carefully chosen materials that support both function and aesthetic appeal. Concrete forms the main structure to ensure durability and stability. Natural wood panels are used for warmth, connecting the indoor spaces to the outside world. Drywall finishes serve to create clean, modern interiors, ensuring spaces remain user-friendly and visually pleasing.

Large windows enhance the design by bringing in light and framing views of the landscape, contributing to a feeling of openness between the interior and exterior. This thoughtful attention to detail allows the living spaces to feel more expansive and connected to the natural beauty surrounding them.

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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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