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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.
The project, Fábrica de Ideas, is an architectural redevelopment of a historic bottling plant in Monterrey, Mexico. This initiative aims to transform a previously industrial space into a vibrant hub for collaboration and innovation. The design effectively balances historical preservation with contemporary functionality, creating a dynamic environment conducive to creativity and community engagement.

The architecture incorporates open and flexible workspaces, reflecting the evolving needs of modern users while also respecting the site's industrial heritage. Key elements include multipurpose areas, private workstations, and communal zones, all designed to facilitate both individual focus and group collaboration. This dual approach to workspace functionality is essential in responding to today's shifting work paradigms.

Innovative Green Integration
One of the unique aspects of this project is its integration of greenery within the design. The architecture weaves natural elements throughout the workspace, creating a seamless connection between the indoors and nature. Extensive use of glass in the façade maximizes natural light, reducing dependency on artificial lighting and fostering a more productive atmosphere. Additionally, the incorporation of vegetation enhances not only aesthetic appeal but also improves air quality and promotes biophilia among users.

The transitional spaces between various functionality zones are characterized by thoughtful architectural design, which incorporates transparent materials and open layouts. These areas serve as informal meeting points and encourage movement throughout the site, further promoting interaction and collaboration among users. The retained original brick and concrete elements offer historical context and emphasize the importance of architectural preservation within the scope of revitalization.

Focus on Sustainability and Adaptability
Sustainability is a core consideration in the project. The design employs locally sourced materials such as concrete and brick, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation. Moreover, various passive design strategies are integrated to enhance energy efficiency. The structure is designed with flexibility in mind; spaces can adapt over time to accommodate changing needs, which is vital in a fast-paced urban environment.

Architectural plans and sections illustrate the strategic arrangement of spaces and flow throughout the structure, emphasizing accessibility and maximizing usable square footage. Each component of the design contributes to a cohesive environment that reflects a commitment to sustainable practices and innovative work lifestyles.

Fábrica de Ideas presents a significant example of how architecture can repurpose existing structures while meeting contemporary demands. The unique design approaches, focusing on integration with nature and historical preservation, provide valuable insights into future architectural projects. For further exploration of this innovative development, reviewing the architectural designs, plans, and sections can offer in-depth understanding of the project's intricacies.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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