Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

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

Project in-detail

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.

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