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Stackable Living with Recycled Plastics in Compact Urban Setting

Authors:
Juan Garcia, Valentina Herrera
Stackable Living with Recycled Plastics in Compact Urban Setting
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Constructed from recycled plastic bricks, this compact dwelling optimizes limited urban space in Manizales to provide sustainable and flexible living solutions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a brick system made from recycled plastic.
02
Designed to fit a compact footprint of 25 square meters.
03
Utilizes an open floor plan to eliminate traditional corridors.
04
Incorporates an additional 47 square meters for potential garden space.
05
Adapts to various functions, enhancing flexibility for urban living.

The Stackable Home is located in Manizales, Colombia, on a compact plot measuring 6 meters in width and 12 meters in length. The design responds directly to the housing challenges faced in urban environments where land is limited and construction costs are high. By adopting a modular concept, the Stackable Home focuses on flexibility and adaptability, allowing for a variety of uses within a small footprint while integrating well with the surrounding area.

Design Concept

Maximizing space is the main goal of the design. With a footprint of just 25 square meters, the layout allows for an additional 47 square meters of land, which can be used for gardens or extra modules. The interior avoids traditional corridors, creating an open flow among different areas. This approach makes the space feel larger and more connected, enhancing the overall living experience.

Spatial Configuration

Inside the Stackable Home, the sleeping area includes space for a bed and wardrobe, but it can also function as a studio. The social area is designed for both relaxation and work, flexible enough to meet various needs. The entrance hall serves as a dining space and can extend to an outdoor deck, merging indoor and outdoor living. Additionally, the service module combines the kitchen and bathroom, which streamlines utility access and optimizes the use of space.

Material Considerations

A notable feature of the Stackable Home is its use of a brick system made from recycled plastic. This choice addresses environmental concerns while keeping construction costs manageable. The innovative material enhances thermal and acoustic comfort, making the home suitable for everyday living while promoting sustainability.

Design Integration

Placing the Stackable Home in the geographical context of Manizales, which sits at an altitude of 2100 meters, reinforces its connection to the local landscape. The design provides a response to the need for affordable housing and showcases principles of sustainable living. The configuration of living spaces is complemented by large windows, allowing ample natural light to enter and creating a welcoming atmosphere within a compact area.

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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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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.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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