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Transparency and Natural Light in a Flexible Living Space with Steel and Polycarbonate Elements

Authors:
Alise Sukonta Lamothe, Ezekiel Nelson
Transparency and Natural Light in a Flexible Living Space with Steel and Polycarbonate Elements

Project in-detail

Combining transparent polycarbonate and local stone, this residential design creates a flexible living environment centered around a communal courtyard that fosters interaction and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes transparent polycarbonate roof panels to maximize natural light and enhance thermal comfort.
02
Incorporates a central courtyard that fosters communal interaction and outdoor living.
03
Constructed with locally sourced stone, reinforcing the connection to the regional landscape.
04
Employs a flexible layout that allows for reconfiguration of living spaces based on user needs.
05
Features a steel framework that supports expansive openings, enhancing visual connections with the environment.

### Project Overview

Tríada is located in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, designed as a composite living space comprising three distinct components. The initiative aims to provide an elevated quality of life through optimized interactions with the outdoors and an emphasis on sustainable living practices. By addressing typical housing limitations, the layout promotes open, flexible living areas that engage with the local climate and landscape effectively.

### Spatial Organization and User Interaction

The design is organized around a central courtyard, facilitating dynamic engagement between indoor and outdoor spaces. This approach divides the program into functional zones, including a versatile living area that combines the living room and kitchen and adapts depending on weather conditions. A dedicated office space enhances privacy and focus, while enclosed bedroom and bathroom areas ensure personal comfort. The thoughtful arrangement fosters a flexible environment responsive to both user preferences and external factors.

### Material Choices and Sustainability

Tríada utilizes a meticulously selected range of materials to enhance the architectural integrity and aesthetic quality of the structure. Local stone forms the foundation and walls, creating a strong connection to the environment, while steel supports the structure and canopies, enabling expansive interiors. Polycarbonate roof panels allow natural light to permeate the space while providing protection against the elements. Essential sustainable features include a rainwater collection system and solar panels, which support energy needs and reduce the ecological footprint. The design incorporates a metal grate canopy for shading and uses triple-pane glazing to maximize thermal efficiency and visual connectivity with the landscape.

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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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