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Terracotta-Walled Retreat Featuring Sustainable Solar Panels and Integrated Water Filtration

Authors:
Roberto Karollus gonzález, Andrea Morales lópez santibáñez
Terracotta-Walled Retreat Featuring Sustainable Solar Panels and Integrated Water Filtration

Project in-detail

Constructed with clay bricks and enveloped in a warm pink hue, this micro-home integrates solar panels and a water filtration system, embodying sustainable living while providing a cozy retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed entirely with locally sourced clay bricks for enhanced thermal performance.
02
Features a terrace designed to function as a water filtration ecosystem.
03
Incorporates large windows for optimum natural light and airflow.
04
Unique mezzanine area maximizes vertical space for efficiency.
05
Bright pink exterior reflects traditional Oaxacan architecture while maintaining modern appeal.

Casa Rosa is a micro-home project situated in Oaxaca, Mexico, designed to provide a compact yet functional living environment. This architectural endeavor focuses on creating a balance between indoor and outdoor spaces, accommodating modern living while remaining contextually relevant to its geographical setting. The design reflects the local culture and climate, aiming to foster community interaction and an appreciation for natural surroundings.

Sustainability is a central tenet of Casa Rosa, manifesting through the careful selection of materials and incorporation of energy-efficient features. The structure employs traditional clay-compression bricks for the walls, providing durability and thermal insulation. Wood is utilized throughout, sourced from local vendors, emphasizing a connection to the region's resources. The design incorporates solar panels on the roof, contributing to energy efficiency, while a small water filtration system is integrated into the terrace area. This reflection of cooperative sustainability and community-oriented living adds depth to the architectural narrative.

Innovative Design Approaches

Casa Rosa distinguishes itself through several unique design approaches that set it apart from conventional micro-home projects. The open floor plan emphasizes flexibility within a small footprint, allowing for multifunctional use of space. The seamless connectivity between the living area and the outdoor terrace enhances the utility of both environments, inviting outdoor engagement.

The structure's extruded forms create varied spatial experiences, challenging the conventional perceptions of small architecture. By employing large windows and openings, the design maximizes natural light and encourages cross-ventilation, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and cooling systems. The vibrant color palette used on the exterior façade enhances the architectural presence while also paying homage to traditional Oaxacan aesthetics.

Architectural Plans and Sections

The architectural plans of Casa Rosa illustrate a well-considered approach to space utilization, effectively allocating areas for living, cooking, and resting within its compact dimensions. The strategic placement of the mezzanine adds an additional layer of functionality, serving as a retreat or secondary living area. Architectural sections reveal the building's verticality, emphasizing the importance of both light and air within the design. Each element contributes to the overall function of the home, with particular attention paid to optimizing comfort and user experience.

For those interested in exploring the detailed aspects of this project, including architectural plans, sections, and innovative architectural ideas, further investigation into Casa Rosa will provide deeper insights into its unique design and architectural merits.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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

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