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CorTen Steel and Green Roofs Forming Dynamic Urban Spaces

Author:
Sebastian Narvaez
CorTen Steel and Green Roofs Forming Dynamic Urban Spaces

Project in-detail

Utilizing CorTen steel and green roofs, the design creates dynamic urban spaces that prioritize sustainability and community interaction, serving as a versatile public area.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes CorTen steel for durability and aesthetic evolution over time.
02
Incorporates green roofs to enhance biodiversity and energy efficiency.
03
Designed with angular forms to promote natural movement and exploration.
04
Features extensive use of glass to foster visual connectivity with the surroundings.
05
Employs permeable paving to manage stormwater and reduce urban heat.

### Overview
Located within a contemporary urban context, the design features a multifaceted space characterized by a blend of natural and built elements. The intent focuses on community engagement and sustainability, providing an area that facilitates social interaction while challenging traditional architectural conventions.

### Spatial Organization
The design emphasizes openness and connectivity through an organic layout that incorporates triangular forms to provide both shelter and an inviting atmosphere. This configuration encourages exploration, enhancing user movement throughout the space. The interplay between hard and soft landscaping supports multifunctionality, catering to pedestrian traffic, social gatherings, and access to nature.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The choice of materials reflects a commitment to durability and environmental integration. Key materials include:

- **CorTen Steel**: Selected for its weathered appearance and resilience, contributing to the overall aesthetic while requiring minimal maintenance.
- **Concrete**: Utilized for its structural capacity and modern texture, enhancing the space's industrial character.
- **Glass**: Incorporated strategically to promote transparency, enabling visual connections between indoor and outdoor areas while maximizing natural light exposure.
- **Paving Stones**: The textured finish aims to improve the pedestrian experience, creating a tactile connection with the site.
- **Green Roofs and Plantings**: These features not only promote biodiversity but also enhance insulation and aesthetic value, allowing the structure to harmonize with its surroundings.

The design employs green architecture principles, utilizing permeable surfaces to enhance water drainage and mitigate the urban heat island effect, while the open layout accommodates diverse uses, from recreational activities to public events. The thoughtful integration of transparent elements fosters visual continuity and fluid transitions, reinforcing community connectivity.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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