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Water-Filtration Terrace With Local Brick and Pink Façade in Sustainable Housing Design

Authors:
Roberto Karollus gonzález, Andrea Morales lópez santibáñez
Water-Filtration Terrace With Local Brick and Pink Façade in Sustainable Housing Design

Project in-detail

The vibrant pink façade and innovative water filtration terrace come together in a sustainable home that reflects the cultural essence of Oaxaca while providing a welcoming space for communal living.
5 key facts about this project
01
The home features a vibrant pink exterior that draws inspiration from local architectural traditions.
02
A unique water reclamation system enriches surrounding vegetation while minimizing water usage.
03
Local bricks are utilized in the façade, creating a distinct texture that resonates with regional craftsmanship.
04
The design includes a terrace that enhances outdoor living and encourages community interaction.
05
Solar panels on the rooftop optimize energy efficiency, supporting sustainable living practices.
Casa Rosa is an architectural project situated in Oaxaca, Mexico, that embodies a thoughtful dialogue between modern design principles and the region's rich cultural heritage. The project challenges conventional notions of residential architecture by creating a home that is not only functional but also resonates with the community and its environment. The primary aim of Casa Rosa is to provide a dwelling that supports sociability and connection while honoring sustainable practices and local traditions.

In terms of functionality, Casa Rosa is designed to accommodate a variety of living spaces while maintaining a sense of openness and interaction. The layout features three distinct levels: the ground floor, a mezzanine, and a rooftop, each serving a specific purpose yet contributing to the overall living experience. The ground floor is dedicated to communal activities, integrating a cozy living area with an efficient kitchen. This thoughtful arrangement promotes family gatherings and social interactions, reflecting the core values of community living.

The mezzanine offers a more private space, housing a bedroom that benefits from ample natural light and sweeping views of the surroundings. This area serves as a peaceful retreat, allowing residents to enjoy solitude while still being connected to the exterior landscape. The rooftop, which incorporates solar panels, not only maximizes energy efficiency but also creates an inviting outdoor space for relaxation and enjoyment. Together, these levels create a harmonious balance between private and public areas, catering to various lifestyle needs.

Materiality plays a crucial role in the architectural design of Casa Rosa. The use of cement for the structure ensures durability, while plywood in the flooring and cabinetry adds warmth and a tactile quality to the interior. Local bricks enrich the façade with textural diversity, creating visually appealing patterns that resonate with the traditional aesthetics of the region. Natural stone is used thoughtfully throughout the project, enhancing both the visual character and the thermal performance of the building. This careful selection of materials not only supports the structural integrity of the design but also emphasizes a commitment to sustainable practices.

A unique feature of Casa Rosa lies in its consideration of ecological impact. The incorporation of a water recollection system demonstrates a proactive approach to environmental sustainability. This system not only conserves water but also nourishes the surrounding vegetation, fostering an ecosystem that enhances the overall beauty of the landscape. The design invites inhabitants to engage with nature, reflecting a lifestyle that values sustainability and connectivity with the environment.

The architectural design of Casa Rosa also pays homage to the cultural context of Oaxaca. The vibrant pink hue of the exterior draws inspiration from traditional colors found in local architecture, creating visual harmony with the surrounding environment. This integration of cultural identity into the design serves to strengthen a sense of place and belonging, making the home a true reflection of the community it inhabits.

Overall, Casa Rosa stands as a contemporary architectural project that successfully marries modern design elements with traditional values. Its innovative approaches to space utilization, material selection, and sustainability create a living environment that is both functional and rich in cultural significance. Readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation for more detailed insights into the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural ideas that inform this thoughtful design. Through a closer examination, one can appreciate how Casa Rosa exemplifies a responsible and community-focused approach to architectural practice in Oaxaca, Mexico.
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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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