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Corten Steel and Green Roofs Enhance Community Living in a Sustainable Environment

Authors:
Duarte Franco da rosa, Gonçalo Pirrolas, Margarida Bessa, Tiago Santos
Corten Steel and Green Roofs Enhance Community Living in a Sustainable Environment

Project in-detail

Utilizing corten steel and green roofs, this community-centric design creates a seamless integration of natural elements and social spaces, fostering well-being and interaction among residents in a sustainable living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates corten steel that develops a unique patina over time, blending seamlessly with the natural environment.
02
Features extensive green roofs that enhance biodiversity and provide additional recreational spaces for residents.
03
Utilizes large glass panels to maximize natural light and establish a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
04
Designed with an adaptive layout that allows for flexible use of communal and private areas, promoting social interaction.
05
Emphasizes a community garden at its core, allowing residents to engage in sustainable gardening practices and strengthen community bonds.
The architectural project known as "Nurture by Nature" represents a thoughtful vision of community and sustainability, intertwining the principles of design with the natural environment. Focusing on the mental and physical well-being of its inhabitants, this project is designed to accommodate both individual needs and communal experiences through its carefully planned layout and material choices.

At its core, "Nurture by Nature" serves as a multi-functional living space that prioritizes not only residence but also interaction among its occupants. The architecture promotes a profound connection to nature and encourages an active lifestyle through various shared amenities and green areas. The overall design philosophy hinges on creating environments that foster a sense of belonging while enhancing individual comfort and privacy.

Upon entering the community, one is immediately drawn to the centralized community garden that stands as the focal point of the design. This space is not merely ornamental but functional, inviting residents to engage in gardening, implying a deeper relationship with the earth. It serves multiple purposes—from recreational activities to educational workshops on horticulture. The integration of greenery into the design is particularly significant, as it emphasizes biodiversity and ecological stewardship within the urban context.

The gathering spaces within the project are intentionally designed to encourage social interaction, resembling informal urban environments that promote ease of communication among residents. These areas feature an abundance of natural light and ventilation, fostering a cozy ambiance conducive to gatherings, workshops, or casual meetings. The architecture is attentive to creating comfortable, adaptable spaces, allowing residents to use them flexibly according to their needs.

The living accommodations within "Nurture by Nature" are thoughtfully arranged to balance common living with personal space. The individual rooms vary from single to double occupancy and are designed to enhance privacy while still being part of a larger community framework. The design incorporates elements that enhance both functionality and aesthetics, ensuring that the interiors are welcoming and warm, reinforcing the project's nurturing ethos.

One of the unique approaches in this architectural design is its emphasis on sustainability through the selection of materials that align with the overarching philosophy. Corten steel is utilized not just as a structural element but as a feature that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape as it ages. Wood is extensively used in the interiors, contributing to a warm atmosphere while promoting ecological sustainability through responsible sourcing. Large glass panels create connections between the indoor and outdoor environments, blurring the lines and immersing residents in nature. Concrete elements are strategically employed to offer durability and structural soundness where necessary, grounding the design in practicality.

Innovative design strategies are evident in the integration of green roofs, which enhance the ecological performance of the building while providing additional recreational spaces. The architecture makes thoughtful use of natural ventilation patterns and light, which not only reduce energy consumption but also contribute positively to residents' mental health.

The interconnectedness of various spaces is a significant aspect of the project, providing seamless transitions that encourage fluid movement throughout the building. This design approach enhances the sense of security and belonging, allowing residents to feel both independent and integrated within the community.

"Nurture by Nature” ultimately presents an alternative for future community living, where architecture collaborates with its surroundings to promote well-being, sustainability, and social interaction. With its design meticulously addressing the needs of individuals and groups alike, this project stands as an insightful exploration of contemporary living solutions. For those interested in delving deeper into the project’s thoughtful design elements, exploring the architectural plans, architectural sections, and other architectural ideas will provide further insights into how this project achieves its objectives.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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