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Central Rainwater Garden in a High Performance Metal and Reclaimed Wood Community Center

Authors:
Shivansh Thanawala, Yang Ding, Rui Yao, Christel Jefferson-trice
Central Rainwater Garden in a High Performance Metal and Reclaimed Wood Community Center

Project in-detail

A central rainwater harvesting garden enhances the functionality of a community center crafted from high performance metal and reclaimed wood, promoting sustainability while fostering social interaction among visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
A rainwater harvesting garden serves as the central focal point of the community center.
02
The structure utilizes high performance metal for enhanced energy efficiency.
03
Reclaimed wood is incorporated throughout the building for sustainability.
04
Passive ventilation strategies optimize indoor air quality without mechanical systems.
05
The circular layout promotes natural movement and social interaction among visitors.

The Espiral community center is located in an area that focuses on enhancing social connections and promoting environmental responsibility. The building is a single-story structure designed to operate without air conditioning, relying instead on natural ventilation and passive environmental methods. The design concept is centered around a circular layout, which encourages movement and interaction among visitors while integrating harmoniously with its natural surroundings.

Architectural Concept
The structure's circular form serves an important purpose, facilitating easy access and encouraging community interactions. A central feature of the design is a rainwater harvesting garden, which provides both ecological benefits and a gathering space for people. This garden not only enhances the site's sustainability but also symbolizes the commitment to connecting the community with nature.

Materials and Sustainability
Material choices are a key aspect of the design, including high performance metal, low-e glass, and reclaimed wood slat. These selections are made for their practical benefits as well as their environmental impact. The use of concrete walls offers thermal mass, helping to regulate temperatures inside without relying heavily on energy. This thoughtful selection of materials contributes to a durable structure that aligns with both ecological values and community needs.

Interior Layout and Functionality
The layout features various spaces such as an entrance lobby, gallery/lounge, compost toilet facilities, and areas designated for events and food preparation. The arrangement supports smooth movement throughout the building, allowing for easy access to different areas. The design also includes a secondary entrance and exit to accommodate various user needs, encouraging participation from a broad audience in community activities.

Design Features
Passive ventilation is a central aspect of maintaining comfortable indoor conditions. Roof openings and well-placed walls are designed to encourage natural air circulation, reducing the need for mechanical systems. These elements reflect a commitment to energy efficiency while ensuring a pleasant environment for occupants. The rainwater garden serves as an important design element, enhancing the overall experience while promoting an awareness of environmental sustainability.

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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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