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Concrete Structures and See-Through Pool Elevate Urban Wellness Hub

Author:
Axel Prince
Concrete Structures and See-Through Pool Elevate Urban Wellness Hub

Project in-detail

A circular wellness center elevated by concrete structures and a transparent pool provides a unique urban retreat, seamlessly integrating public connectivity and community resources along the Milan Canal.
5 key facts about this project
01
The wellness center is elevated above Independence Road, allowing unobstructed traffic flow beneath.
02
Interactive digital screens facilitate social connections along the canal.
03
An outdoor library features open bookshelves encouraging community sharing of literature.
04
Three hotel rooms employ Smart Glass Technology for customizable privacy and views.
05
A transparent pool offers unique perspectives of the urban landscape from within.

The Milan Canal project introduces a new urban space in Milan, Italy, spanning 8 km. It aims to create an environment that combines public activities, educational opportunities, and natural beauty. The design focuses on integrating these elements to respond to community needs while enhancing the visual appeal of the area.

Public Playground

On the western side of the canal, the Playground features digital screens for public use. These screens allow individuals to connect with others through Skype, promoting interaction. By incorporating technology in this way, the design enhances social connections and provides an interactive experience. Bluetooth functionality adds an extra layer of privacy, making it easier for users to engage without concern.

Educational Hub

The eastern side hosts the Educational Hub, which aspires to be the longest outdoor public library in the world. Open bookshelves are designed into the landscape, encouraging the community to share and borrow books freely. This concept fosters a culture of learning and sharing, strengthening connections among residents. The hub serves not only as a source of information but also as a place for people to gather and exchange ideas.

Wellness Centre

The Wellness Centre is positioned above Independence Road and supported by three concrete structures. This design allows for unobstructed access for vehicles below. Inside, a spiral staircase connects visitors to the park outside, providing a fluid experience between indoor and outdoor spaces. A see-through pool is a central feature, offering distinctive views of the surrounding area while inviting visitors to relax and engage with the space.

Hotel Rooms

Three hotel rooms have been included in the design to accommodate visitors. Each room features Smart Glass Technology, allowing guests to control the level of privacy. This solution enhances comfort while keeping guests connected to the environment outside. The design encourages visitors to experience the vibrant life of the city while enjoying personal space.

The integration of these various elements emphasizes a commitment to improving urban life. The pool serves as a focal point, offering not only a place for leisure but also a unique perspective on the city's dynamic atmosphere.

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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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