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Translucent Glass Facades and Historic Brickwork Redefine Flexible Community Spaces

Authors:
Emilio Armando Ramirez Ortega, Ana Sofia Guerrero Franco, Armando David Perez Mendoza
Translucent Glass Facades and Historic Brickwork Redefine Flexible Community Spaces

Project in-detail

Translucent glass facades blend with preserved brickwork to create adaptable community spaces that foster collaboration and innovation in Monterrey's historic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent glass facades enhance natural light while maintaining visibility to the surrounding greenery.
02
Preserved historic brick integrates the past with modern architectural elements, providing continuity in design.
03
A flexible layout allows for various workspace configurations to adapt to changing user needs.
04
Biophilic design principles incorporate nature within the interior, promoting user well-being and productivity.
05
Innovative use of local materials reduces environmental impact and supports the regional economy.

## Project Overview
**Location**: Monterrey, Mexico
The project reimagines the site of a former industrial bottling plant, converting it into a collaborative workspace within a public park. The intent is to create an environment that fosters innovation and community interaction, aligning with contemporary demands for flexible workspaces in the wake of recent global shifts.

## Conceptual Framework
The architectural approach emphasizes the transformation of historical industrial structures into multifunctional spaces that prioritize collaboration and user engagement. Natural elements are integrated to enhance mental well-being and promote interaction among users. The design reflects a response to the urban context of Monterrey, bridging the gap between its industrial past and current needs.

### Spatial Organization
The project features a diverse array of spaces strategically designed to accommodate various functions. Central elements include a meditation area within a cylindrical structure, innovation labs connected by a bridge, and both collaborative and private workspaces that ensure a balance between teamwork and focused activities. An auditorium and workshop provide immediate access to the surrounding park, fostering a connection with nature. Additionally, the cafeteria is positioned to encourage interaction, while an open forum serves as a gathering space for community events.

## Materiality
The selection of materials underscores the project's commitment to sustainability and historical continuity. Glass is prominently used for facades and atriums, enhancing natural light penetration. Steel structures provide strength and modernity, while concrete grounds the design within the landscape. The existing brick from the original plant is preserved to retain historical ties. Deploying grass and other vegetative elements contributes to biodiversity and enriches the green spaces, supporting the project's environmental objectives.

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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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