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Passive Design With Cantilevered Forms and Natural Stone Facades in Tropical Living

Author:
Pier Paolo Presta
Passive Design With Cantilevered Forms and Natural Stone Facades in Tropical Living

Project in-detail

Cantilevered forms crafted from reinforced concrete and natural stone create a seamless connection to the lush surroundings, while expansive glass openings enhance natural light, culminating in a multifunctional residence designed for contemporary living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cantilevered sections enhance outdoor usability while providing natural shading.
02
Extensive glazing promotes passive cooling and maximizes daylight throughout the interiors.
03
Natural stone facades integrate seamlessly with the tropical landscape.
04
Outdoor terraces are designed to encourage interaction with the surrounding environment.
05
Strategic ventilation channels reduce reliance on mechanical cooling systems.

### Architectural Design Project Report

#### Overview
Located in a tropical context, the project embodies a contemporary residential design that facilitates outdoor living and interaction with nature. The intent of the design is to foster harmony between the built environment and its surroundings, emphasizing transparency and lightness. Ample glazing allows for natural light to permeate the space, resulting in visual connections to the outdoor landscape while providing dual functionality as a private refuge and communal gathering area.

#### Spatial Strategy and Organization
The design utilizes an open-plan layout on the ground floor, integrating living spaces, a kitchen, and a lounge, with a central staircase as a focal point that promotes circulation throughout the home. Side rooms for utility and storage ensure functionality without compromising aesthetic appeal. The first floor is dedicated to private areas, featuring bedrooms and a library connected through large openings, while terraces from these spaces encourage outdoor engagement. Additionally, the second floor boasts a roof terrace designed for varied outdoor activities, enhancing the overall usability of the structure.

#### Materiality and Environmental Integration
The project employs a diverse palette of materials, prominently featuring reinforced concrete, natural stone, and extensive glass elements. Reinforced concrete serves both structural and aesthetic purposes, contributing to modernity, while the natural stone facade adds warmth and texture. Floor-to-ceiling windows facilitate a seamless transition between interior and exterior spaces. The landscape design incorporates native plants that require minimal maintenance, complementing the overall aesthetic and ensuring ecological compatibility within the tropical setting.

Sustainable practices are integrated through natural ventilation strategies, employing strategically placed openings that enhance energy efficiency while ensuring occupant comfort. The design’s adaptability accommodates various lifestyle needs, reflecting foresight in planning and a consideration for evolving residential requirements over time. The juxtaposition of hard and soft materials creates a visually engaging environment, inviting users to experience the space in varied ways throughout the day and across different seasons.

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

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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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