Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Open-Weaved Skin and Clear Polycarbonate in a Sustainable Urban Microhome

Author:
Andrea sofia Champion
Open-Weaved Skin and Clear Polycarbonate in a Sustainable Urban Microhome

Project in-detail

An open-weaved skin constructed with ocoxal panels and clear polycarbonate creates a sustainable microhome in the heart of Mexico City, where indoor and outdoor spaces blend seamlessly to foster community engagement and self-sufficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
An open-weaved skin enhances natural ventilation while maintaining privacy.
02
Clear polycarbonate roof allows for daylight use in various weather conditions.
03
Modular structure adapts based on residents' needs for flexible living.
04
Promotes local indigenous craftsmanship through market opportunities.
05
Incorporates productive garden boxes for self-sufficiency and urban farming.

Casa Ocoxal is a microhome situated in the Condesa neighborhood of Mexico City, at the intersection of Laredo Street and Mexico Avenue. The project aims to bring the concept of off-grid living into an urban setting, allowing residents to connect with their environment while also prioritizing sustainability. With an emphasis on local culture, the design reflects aspects of indigenous craftsmanship and seeks to enrich the community through its innovative approach.

Design Philosophy

The design of Casa Ocoxal focuses on the relationship between living spaces and the surrounding environment. The name “ocoxal” comes from the Nahuatl word for "layer of dried needles," highlighting the project's commitment to indigenous materials and building techniques. A modular approach allows spaces to easily adjust based on the needs of the residents, creating a flexible and functional living environment.

Structural Characteristics

The outer layer of the structure features an open-weaved skin that serves several functions. It encourages natural airflow while providing privacy and security. This design enhances ventilation and facilitates a meaningful connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The inclusion of operable skylights further supports airflow, ensuring comfortable living conditions throughout the year.

Materiality and Sustainability

The roof is made with clear polycarbonate panels, which are known for their durability and ability to allow plenty of natural light. This choice enables residents to enjoy their living space even during unfavorable weather. The larger roof area also aids in rainwater collection and the generation of solar energy, closely aligning with the project's goals around sustainability.

Community Engagement

The design does more than just provide shelter; it creates opportunities for local artisans. Casa Ocoxal encourages the production and sale of handcrafted items sourced from the surrounding community. This focus on indigenous craftsmanship reinforces connections among local residents and builds a sense of community within the urban landscape.

The internal layout of Casa Ocoxal includes productive areas equipped with garden boxes and composting systems, highlighting the importance of self-sufficiency. Spaces for social interaction, cooking, and resting are thoughtfully arranged to maintain an organized living environment. This careful consideration of both design and functionality results in a versatile living space that meets the needs of its residents, while also honoring sustainable practices and cultural heritage.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy