Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

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.

### Overview
The Living Place Lumina project, developed by architects in Costa Rica, is situated within the context of contemporary Emirati residential design. Commissioned as part of an international competition titled "House of the Future," the project emphasizes the dual objectives of ensuring privacy and promoting sustainability while respecting local cultural traditions.

### Spatial Organization
The design encompasses an area of 280 square meters, strategically divided into distinct social and private zones to enhance functionality and user experience. The social zone includes the Majlis, dining room, kitchen, and expansive outdoor areas, facilitating community engagement and gatherings. This integration of indoor and outdoor spaces fosters a connection to the environment. Conversely, the private zone, which houses bedrooms and personal offices, is intentionally segregated from the social areas to maintain occupant privacy, with each bedroom equipped with its own bathroom for added convenience.

### Material Selection
A thoughtful selection of materials underpins the architectural narrative of the project. The primary components include concrete for structural integrity, glass for natural light and ventilation, and steel for durability in the framework. Stone finishes contribute texture and a connection to the earth, while wood is used for interior finishes to create warmth and comfort. The incorporation of aluminum for window frames balances modern aesthetics with functionality. Additionally, photovoltaic panels are integrated into the design to facilitate renewable energy generation, reinforcing the project's commitment to sustainability through features like cross ventilation and rainwater harvesting systems.

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
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
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