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Biological Filtration Spaces Featuring Natural Swimming Areas in a Revitalized Urban Park

Biological Filtration Spaces Featuring Natural Swimming Areas in a Revitalized Urban Park
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Utilizing biological filtration systems and native vegetation, the revitalization of a former rugby stadium transforms the site into a sustainable urban park with natural swimming areas and community spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Biological filtration zones purify water using native plant species integrated into the landscape.
02
Natural swimming areas provide a recreational environment while promoting ecological education.
03
Public access pathways are designed to encourage community interaction with the restored ecosystem.
04
Recycled concrete and steel elements reduce material waste and enhance sustainability.
05
The multi-purpose pavilion serves as a hub for educational workshops and community events.

**Overview and Intent**
The regeneration of the former rugby stadium in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, aims to transform a neglected site into a multifunctional ecological facility that incorporates a biological water treatment system alongside a natural urban park. This initiative addresses pressing ecological and community needs by revitalizing a derelict structure, fostering an urban ecosystem that emphasizes sustainability while celebrating the region's unique landscape.

**Ecological Integration and Community Engagement**
Central to the project is the development of ecological filtration zones utilizing native vegetation to improve local water quality and bolster biodiversity. The design promotes community interaction through various public spaces, including swimming areas, walkways, and picnic spots that encourage engagement with the restored environment. Furthermore, artificial wetlands and water features enhance the microclimate, attract wildlife, and provide recreational opportunities, exemplifying a holistic approach to public space design.

**Material Selection and Sustainability**
A careful selection of materials supports both environmental goals and aesthetic considerations. Recycled concrete forms the primary structural component, while steel and glass are incorporated to provide strength, visual connectivity, and energy efficiency. Natural stones are used in landscaping to create habitats for local flora and fauna, and biological filtration systems feature regionally adapted plants serving as integral components of the water treatment process. This resource-conscious approach ensures that the project aligns with sustainable practices, further reinforcing its ecological mission.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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