Design Competition: Win a stay in Playa Blanca, Mexico in a home you design!

We are holding a design competition for all students of Architecture, Industrial and Interior design. We are fully customizing the interior floorplan of a condominium in a high-rise in The Residences at Playa Blanca in Playa Blanca Mexico. visit http://www.residencesatplayablanca.com/

The winning designer will earn 2 weeks luxurious vacation accomodations each year for three years (valued at over $15,700) in the very place they design!

THE UNIT: South tower #309, third floor.
The overall size is 28' wide by 42' long. The design objectives are as follows:
1. at least three bedrooms total
2. optimize ocean viewing angles in room design
3. create an entirely seperate lock-off suite so it can be seperated completely (sound proof) as two units or combined for one functional and comfortable unit
4. smart kitchen layout, not big but large enough for two to work in - custom cabinets will be made to your design specification
5. source all special products (like sound-proof retractable room divider doors)
6. Maximize space use for utmost efficiency and comfort
7. create an attractive and comfortable living spaces for a family of four with 2 kids under 10.

Bonus design criteria:
1. use Murchpy Beds against a wall in a den area which can become an additional bedroom
2. create some sort of secret tunnel/room/location or special play area that kids would love

You can download a detailed site plan and elevations in a PDFhere.

You can view the location of our condo here: it is the one that is circled, on the floor floor above the plaza (see elevation) - notice ocean view direction. It is located on the fourth floor above the plaza, so 7 floors up from the bottom level of the entire building.

Here is a basic floorplan from the developer, email me for a version in AutoCAD .DWG format.
Please post or email your questions, I will post responses as well as email replies.

As questions are asked and answered, more specifics will become posted here and may effect the design criteria, we reserve the right to make additions and corrections. I will obtain CAD drawings of floor plan variations, the floor plates for the entire floor to calculate viewing angles and place entrances.

The rules are as follows: Anyone with Architectural design experience or design students of all disciplines may submit entries. There is not limit as to the number of entries, but each entry must be a unique design and plan. All submissions must be recieved in .DWG format by August 19, 2005 at 12:00 PST. Valid submissions must include at least the floor plan and kitchen plan in AutoCAD .DWG format (or .DXF) and a list of all materials, appliances and fixtures that are beyond standard framing and drywall; extra consideration will be given to 3-d renderings, cabinet plans, wall details, etc. The winner will be selected by a panel of judges composed of a registered architect, the owners and design advisors. The winner will be selected and notified via email by August 31, 2005.

Any interested parties, please post your questions/comments here and/or email me at (deleted 'cuz of the stupid spammers! - reply to blog). All designed submissions must be emailed to me and will be kept in confidence - please verify receipt. Good luck!