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Corten Steel Facade and Green Roof Create an Eco-Friendly Community Center with Urban Landscaping

Authors:
Vlad Rada, Andrada Sandu
Corten Steel Facade and Green Roof Create an Eco-Friendly Community Center with Urban Landscaping

Project in-detail

With a captivating Corten steel facade and a vibrant green roof, the Urban Oasis Community Center seamlessly integrates sustainable design and urban landscaping to create a multifunctional space that promotes community connection and well-being.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to enhance natural light and create dynamic interior spaces.
02
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system to promote sustainable water management.
03
Features a green roof that supports local biodiversity and provides community gardening opportunities.
04
Employs Corten steel for weathering characteristics that blend aesthetically with the landscape.
05
Integrates extensive landscaping with native plants to promote ecological resilience and enhance the community experience.
The Urban Oasis Community Center is an architectural project that embodies the ideals of community engagement and environmental sustainability within the urban fabric of Downtown Metropolis, USA. This design reflects a deep understanding of the need for communal spaces that foster social interaction while providing a refuge from the urban environment. The project represents an innovative response to the challenges of modern living, where the division between nature and human habitation has increasingly blurred.

Functionally, the Urban Oasis serves multiple purposes, making it a vital asset for the community. It is designed as a flexible space that caters to a variety of activities, from educational workshops to social gatherings and wellness activities. The center incorporates distinct areas including a community lounge, multipurpose rooms, childcare facilities, and a wellness center. Each of these spaces is thoughtfully designed to maximize usability and accessibility, encouraging residents to engage in various activities that promote community cohesion and individual well-being.

As one approaches the Urban Oasis, the architectural form presents a harmonious blend of organic shapes and modern construction techniques. The façade is characterized by curvilinear lines that evoke a sense of movement and fluidity. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also serves a practical purpose, as it softens the building's presence within the densely built urban context. The use of high-performance glass amplifies natural light, creating a welcoming atmosphere that links the interior with the exterior landscaped surroundings.

The materials selected for this project play a crucial role in its architectural identity. Reinforced concrete provides the structural backbone of the building, ensuring durability and stability amidst urban pressures. Corten steel panels introduce a rustic aesthetic that naturally patinas over time, blending with the greenery that envelops the center. Sustainable timber is used for select interiors, adding warmth and texture while aligning with the project's eco-friendly ethos. This thoughtful choice of materials not only contributes to the building’s visual language but also highlights an unwavering commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Landscaping is integral to the overall project, transforming the area surrounding the Urban Oasis. Native plants are utilized throughout the design to promote biodiversity and environmental stewardship. Water features and rain gardens are strategically placed to manage stormwater runoff effectively while offering serene spots for residents to relax. Walkways meander through the landscape, encouraging pedestrian traffic and creating a vibrant atmosphere that invites community interaction.

The Urban Oasis goes beyond typical community center designs by integrating sustainability features that respond to contemporary environmental concerns. Solar panels installed on the roof harness renewable energy, significantly reducing the building's carbon footprint. A green roof contributes to energy efficiency through enhanced insulation while providing space for community gardening and nature appreciation. Furthermore, a rainwater harvesting system demonstrates a practical approach to resource management, collecting rainwater for irrigation and non-potable uses.

This architectural project exemplifies a design philosophy that interlaces community, health, and sustainability. The unique approach of using biophilic design principles fosters connectivity with nature, ensuring that the Urban Oasis is not just a facility but an extension of the neighborhood itself. There is a focus on creating spaces that enhance relationships among residents while promoting a wholesome lifestyle centered around well-being and environmental awareness.

The Urban Oasis Community Center stands as a testament to how thoughtful architecture can influence the social dynamics of a community. It encourages exploration and interaction, effectively becoming a landmark that represents the values of its residents. For those interested in delving deeper into this architectural project, exploring the architectural plans, sections, and various design ideas will provide additional insights into its innovative design and community-focused approach. Engaging with the details of this project reveals how design can meaningfully shape our environments and enrich our daily lives.
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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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