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Sustainable Living Featuring Chukum Walls and Tzalam Wood Elements in a Yucatán Micro Home

Author:
Claudia Estivaliz Suarez Ahedo
Sustainable Living Featuring Chukum Walls and Tzalam Wood Elements in a Yucatán Micro Home

Project in-detail

Built with locally sourced Chukum walls and Tzalam wood, this micro home in Yucatán emphasizes sustainability and community, creating an efficient living space that connects residents with their natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with sustainable Chukum, the walls provide natural insulation and moisture resistance.
02
Tzalam wood is utilized for structural elements, promoting regional material use and craftsmanship.
03
The open pavilion layout maximizes cross-ventilation, reducing energy consumption.
04
Curved ceilings enhance the sense of space and facilitate natural light flow.
05
Designed to integrate with a community-focused layout, fostering social interaction among residents.
Casa Nah Lik’ is a micro home located in Yucatán, Mexico, designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings. This architectural project emphasizes sustainability and local traditions, creating a small yet functional living space. The design focuses on fostering a strong connection to the environment while promoting efficient use of space.

The primary architectural concept revolves around a pavilion layout, allowing for open and flexible living spaces that blend indoors and outdoors. The integration of large windows and wooden shutters invites natural light and encourages airflow, enhancing the overall livability of the home. This design approach not only maximizes the utility of limited square footage but also highlights the project's commitment to sustainability by minimizing reliance on artificial heating and cooling systems.

Local Materiality and Aesthetics

A distinctive feature of Casa Nah Lik’ is its use of local materials, which directly ties the architecture to the region's cultural heritage. The structure primarily employs Tzalam wood for shutters and furniture, recognized for its durability and aesthetic character. The polished concrete flooring ensures minimal maintenance while providing a modern touch. Additionally, Chukum, a traditional Mayan material, is utilized for waterproofing and wall finishes, enhancing the home’s visual texture and structural integrity. This careful selection of materials not only reflects regional traditions but also promotes sustainable living practices.

Functional Layout and Unique Design Approaches

The architectural design of Casa Nah Lik’ prioritizes functionality through its well-organized floor plan. The open-concept living area melds seamlessly with the kitchen and dining spaces, promoting interaction among residents. The bedroom is intentionally designed as a semi-private retreat, ensuring comfort while maintaining airflow and natural light.

One notable design innovation is the incorporation of community-oriented elements. The project envisions a cluster of micro homes arranged to foster social connections among residents. This layout includes communal green spaces and informal gathering areas, encouraging a vibrant community lifestyle. The commitment to natural ventilation and the potential integration of solar energy solutions further emphasize a holistic approach to sustainable design.

For those interested in a deeper understanding of the architectural approach taken in Casa Nah Lik’, further exploration of the architectural plans, sections, and designs is encouraged. These elements provide comprehensive insights into the project's innovative ideas and technical attributes. Engaging with these details will reveal the thoughtful methodology and design strategies that characterize this unique architectural endeavor.
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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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