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

Author:
Leon Vercueil Van Der Westhuizen
Biological Filtration Spaces Featuring Natural Swimming Areas in a Revitalized Urban Park

Project in-detail

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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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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