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Passive Ventilation and Thermo-Acoustic Roofing in Affordable Compact Housing

Authors:
Rafael De Jesus Rhenals Cogollo, Daniel Cuao Bedoya
Passive Ventilation and Thermo-Acoustic Roofing in Affordable Compact Housing
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With a focus on passive ventilation and the use of thermo-acoustic roofing, the design offers compact, affordable living solutions tailored for young professionals in Montería, Colombia.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes thermo-acoustic roofing sheets for enhanced thermal insulation and soundproofing.
02
Incorporates passive ventilation through strategically placed upper windows.
03
Features compact 25 m² dwellings designed for urban living.
04
Integrates systems for rainwater collection and sewage treatment.
05
Includes an aquaponics system to promote sustainable food production.

The design known as “Adaptative Home” is located in Montería, Colombia, where the city is rapidly growing and changing. The aim is to provide affordable housing for young professionals who struggle to find suitable places to live near their jobs. The design focuses on modular housing that promotes adaptability and fosters a sense of community among residents, responding to the current demands of urban life.

Design Concept

Adaptative Home uses a modular approach to create flexible living options for young couples. The design features well-planned spaces that support personal living, work areas, and communal interactions. It prioritizes open layouts, which allow for versatility, while also ensuring that privacy is maintained through thoughtfully designed separate modules.



Regulatory Adjustments

The project suggests changes to urban regulations, permitting the arrangement of compact 25 m² homes on specific lots. Utility costs target the lowest available rates in the area, making these living solutions more affordable. Access to important local services such as grocery stores and pharmacies within a five-minute walk adds to the convenience for residents.



Sustainability Features

The commitment to sustainability is evident in the design. It includes passive ventilation through upper windows to encourage natural airflow, which lessens the need for air conditioning. The use of thermo-acoustic roofing sheets helps with insulation and soundproofing, improving indoor comfort and reducing energy consumption.



Energy and Resource Management

Solar panels are integrated into the design to ensure energy self-sufficiency. Additionally, the project includes systems for collecting rainwater and treating sewage, enhancing ecological performance. An aquaponics system is also part of the plan; it maximizes resource efficiency and supports sustainable food production. This approach demonstrates a clear strategy to meet the needs of the community effectively.



The careful use of materials and technologies reflects a detailed response to both economic and environmental challenges. The design aims to improve the quality of life for residents by addressing the pressing issues of urban living while encouraging sustainable practices.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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