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Photovoltaic Panels and Interior Gardens Enriching a Contemporary Costa Rican Residence

Authors:
Yariela Lucia Vindas Salazar, Juan Felix Cerdas Valverde
Photovoltaic Panels and Interior Gardens Enriching a Contemporary Costa Rican Residence

Project in-detail

Integrating cross ventilation and interior gardens with photovoltaic panels, this contemporary residence in Costa Rica serves as a model for sustainable living while fostering community interaction through its dedicated gathering spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates interior gardens to enhance indoor air quality and provide natural aesthetics.
02
Utilizes photovoltaic panels to promote energy self-sufficiency and reduce environmental impact.
03
Features a Majlis designed for communal gatherings, emphasizing cultural significance in modern living.
04
Incorporates cross ventilation strategies to optimize airflow and thermal comfort year-round.
05
Employs charred wooden shingles for durability and fire resistance while creating a distinctive facade.
The Living Place Lumina is a modern architectural design situated in an urban context in Costa Rica. This project focuses on providing a harmonious blend of private and communal spaces, integrating traditional values with contemporary living standards. Designed to optimize functionality while respecting cultural contexts, the building encompasses a total area of 280 square meters.

The primary function of the Living Place Lumina revolves around fostering family interactions and community connections, balanced by areas designated for privacy. A central feature is the Majlis, a traditional gathering space that serves as both a social hub and an area for relaxation. The design reflects an understanding of cultural significance while addressing the practical aspects of modern living.

Spatial Organization and Functionality
The project is organized into distinct zones: social and private. The social area includes the Majlis, a dining room, a kitchen, and outdoor spaces specifically designed to enhance interactions among family and friends. Large openings and seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces encourage engagement with the surrounding environment. In contrast, the private zone consists of bedrooms and personal areas, where each bedroom is equipped with an ensuite bathroom to ensure comfort and seclusion.

Sustainability Features
The Living Place Lumina incorporates various sustainable practices. Cross ventilation is achieved through strategically placed windows, promoting airflow and minimizing heat accumulation in the home. Additionally, rainwater harvesting systems are integrated into the design, supporting resource efficiency. The installation of photovoltaic panels showcases a commitment to renewable energy, aligning with environmentally conscious architectural approaches.

Cultural and Innovative Design Elements
The project uniquely combines traditional Emirati architectural elements with a contemporary design ethos. The Majlis not only functions as a communal area but also embodies cultural traditions by promoting social gatherings. Interior gardens are incorporated into the layout, providing green spaces that enhance environmental quality within the home. The selection of materials, such as concrete, glass, and natural finishes like stone and wood, contributes to the building’s resilience while adding warmth and aesthetic appeal.

In summary, the Living Place Lumina represents a forward-thinking residential project that embodies a blend of social and private spaces, cultural relevance, and sustainability. For a more comprehensive understanding of the project, including architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, readers are encouraged to explore the detailed presentation of Living Place Lumina.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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