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Biophilic Workspaces Enhanced by Recycled Polycarbonate and Sustainable Timber Integration

Authors:
Cristina Perjaku, Sara Frassineti, Sofia Pugliesi, Davide Macri
Biophilic Workspaces Enhanced by Recycled Polycarbonate and Sustainable Timber Integration

Project in-detail

Incorporating dog tubes and wellness zones, this workspace utilizes recycled polycarbonate and FSC-certified timber to create an environment that prioritizes productivity and pet-friendly functionality.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates dedicated dog tubes for seamless pet movement within the workspace.
02
Features biophilic design elements that enhance occupant well-being through natural light and greenery.
03
Utilizes recycled polycarbonate for the dog tube construction, emphasizing sustainability.
04
Includes flexible areas for varying work styles, promoting collaboration and individual focus.
05
Integrates wellness zones designed specifically for employee relaxation and rejuvenation.

### Project Overview

Located in the Gallaratese neighborhood of Milan, this workspace design addresses the contemporary requirements of professionals while emphasizing productivity and well-being. It is particularly tailored for users who incorporate pet ownership into their daily lives, featuring dedicated areas that facilitate interaction between occupants and their dogs.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The design prioritizes well-being by creating a workspace that integrates communal areas, wellness zones, and outdoor environments. An organic layout, inspired by natural forms, encourages movement and interaction among users. Open-plan co-working spaces are complemented by designated meeting rooms with glass partitions, enhancing transparency and collaboration. Special attention is given to minimizing disruption for pet owners, with the inclusion of innovative dog tubes that allow dogs to move freely through the office without interfering with activities.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Sustainability is a core aspect of the project, reflected in the thoughtful selection of materials. FSC-certified spruce wood is used for structural elements and finishes, providing warmth and environmental responsibility. Concrete is employed for its durability, while recycled polycarbonate is utilized in the dog tubes, reinforcing a commitment to reducing waste. Additionally, PLA (polylactic acid), a biodegradable material suitable for modern manufacturing techniques, supports the project's technological integration. This choice of materials not only enhances the aesthetic quality of the workspace but also aligns with ecological principles.

The landscape design incorporates ample green areas, fostering biophilic principles and enhancing the overall well-being of the users while supporting local biodiversity.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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