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Canyon-Inspired Community Spaces with Sustainable Rainwater Management

Authors:
Claudia Maiova, Janis Bortoli, Maja Peirano
Canyon-Inspired Community Spaces with Sustainable Rainwater Management

Project in-detail

The integration of an interior patio within a canyon-inspired layout enhances the community’s outdoor experience while incorporating a rainwater management system to support sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Canyon-inspired layout promotes natural ventilation and light distribution.
02
Integrated rainwater management system enhances sustainability efforts.
03
Interior patio designed for community gatherings and outdoor activities.
04
Zero-kilometer food sourcing encourages local food production.
05
Variety of communal spaces support diverse educational and cultural functions.

The setting in the City of London showcases a thoughtful approach to urban design, focusing on enhancing community identity while tackling existing infrastructural problems. The layout features interconnected blocks, known as BLOCK A, BLOCK B, CANYON, and BLOCK C. These elements come together to create a functional living environment that promotes sustainability and connectivity among residents.

Urban Mobility

A clear emphasis on urban mobility is present throughout the design. Pathways and open spaces are incorporated to facilitate movement across the site, allowing easy access between different areas. Each block is positioned thoughtfully to enhance pedestrian flow. This interconnectedness not only enables residents to navigate the space easily but also cultivates a sense of community and belonging.

Community Spaces

The design includes various communal spaces that encourage social interaction. Areas such as a kindergarten, craft workshops, an open library, and quiet reading rooms are designed to enrich the lives of residents. These spaces cater to diverse needs and promote educational and cultural engagement. Additionally, parks and community gardens provide essential greenery in the urban setting, fostering connections to nature.

Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is central in the overall design. A rainwater collection system is integrated to manage resources efficiently and reduce environmental impact. The concept of zero-kilometer food sourcing is significant, as it promotes local food production and minimizes carbon footprints. This attention to ecological responsibility enhances the livability of the area, demonstrating a commitment to both residents and the environment.

Interior Details

Unique design features enhance both functionality and aesthetics. The 'Canyon of the New Construction' serves as a notable element, incorporating an interior patio, walkways, and private terraces. These spaces invite outdoor activities while respecting residents' need for privacy. The balance of built and open areas provides a varied living experience. This design aspect not only meets practical needs but also enriches the urban context, offering a place for community members to connect with their surroundings.

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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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