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Brick Heritage and Glass Facades Revitalizing an Industrial Space for Community Engagement

Authors:
Nicola Livio, Riccardo Colombo, Laura Cettolin, Sebastiano Panzeri
Brick Heritage and Glass Facades Revitalizing an Industrial Space for Community Engagement

Project in-detail

Combining preserved brickwork with expansive glass facades, the design revitalizes an industrial site to create a multifunctional hub for community engagement and cultural exchange.
5 key facts about this project
01
Combines original brick facades with modern glass elements to maintain historical integrity while promoting transparency.
02
Incorporates natural ventilation strategies throughout the design to enhance energy efficiency and indoor comfort.
03
Features communal outdoor spaces designed for local markets and events, fostering social interaction.
04
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural elements, reducing carbon footprint and supporting sustainability.
05
Adapts an existing industrial layout, integrating diverse functions into a cohesive cultural center.

## Overview

The Mango Vinyl Hub, situated in Cesic, aims to revitalize an abandoned industrial complex into a multifaceted center for creativity and community engagement. The design thoughtfully considers the site's historical context while promoting a dynamic urban environment that fosters social interactions. By integrating various functions—including art, commerce, and cultural activities—the project aspires to contribute to the area's socio-economic development.

## Spatial Configuration

The architectural layout strategically emphasizes open spaces that connect different buildings and functions, creating an inclusive environment for community gatherings. A central green area serves multiple purposes, facilitating relaxation, hosting local markets, and accommodating temporary exhibitions to encourage social interaction among visitors. The careful arrangement of functional areas includes a vinyl store that celebrates local culture, an exhibition space for artistic events, and public areas like cafes and co-working spaces, all designed to invite involvement and browsing.

Carefully planned circulation paths allow for smooth transitions between private and public realms, with staircases positioned to provide elevated views and connect interior and outdoor spaces. These elements enhance the visitor experience and promote engagement throughout the hub.

## Material Selection and Sustainability

The project incorporates a diverse range of materials that balance durability with contemporary aesthetics. Concrete provides structural integrity, while steel framing allows for expansive glass facades, promoting transparency and natural light in the public spaces. The use of reclaimed brick from the original complex maintains historical continuity, and wood elements add warmth to the environment. This careful selection not only addresses functional requirements but also emphasizes a dialogue between the existing and new structures.

In terms of sustainability, the design prioritizes natural ventilation and daylighting, along with the reuse of the existing site, significantly minimizing its carbon footprint. Engaging local stakeholders throughout the design process ensures that the resulting space meets community aspirations and environmental standards.

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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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