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Elevated Design with Precast Concrete and Green Roofs for a Youth Rehabilitation Facility

Author:
Lara Nader Mazloum
Elevated Design with Precast Concrete and Green Roofs for a Youth Rehabilitation Facility

Project in-detail

Nestled on a sloped landscape, the facility utilizes precast concrete and a green roof to create an open, rehabilitative environment designed for the transformative journey of young offenders.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design incorporates cantilevered structures for increased safety and visibility.
02
Extensive use of glass enhances natural light and fosters transparency in the environment.
03
Green roofs integrate landscaping to promote ecological awareness and mental well-being.
04
Community engagement areas are seamlessly woven throughout to encourage social interaction.
05
Vertical circulation paths facilitate accessibility and movement across different levels.
The REFORM project is an architectural design for a juvenile reform prison that carefully considers the rehabilitation process of young offenders. This facility aims to create an environment that fosters personal growth, responsibility, and reintegration into society. It is situated on a sloped landscape that enhances its connection to the surrounding environment, utilizing the site’s natural features to promote a therapeutic setting.

This design aligns with modern approaches to correctional architecture, prioritizing transparency, accessibility, and engagement rather than confinement. The project is characterized by extensive use of glass and open layouts, inviting natural light into the interior spaces and allowing for views of the outdoor environment. The facility is organized to separate public spaces from secure areas, emphasizing a progressive approach to juvenile correction.

Key Features of the REFORM Project

One of the unique aspects of the REFORM project is its emphasis on creating semi-public spaces that encourage interaction between inmates and rehabilitation staff. The design incorporates communal areas that facilitate educational programs and recreational activities. Outdoor terraces and balconies reinforce the connection to nature, providing an environment that fosters physical activity and social engagement. The selection of materials also plays a significant role; precast concrete provides structural strength, while glass façades offer transparency and openness.

The architectural plans feature a raised building format supported by a truss-like structural system, allowing for cantilevered sections that offer expansive views. The integration of a green roof not only improves thermal performance but also enhances the overall aesthetic appeal, contributing to a sense of nurturing within the harsh context of a prison environment.

Innovative Design Approaches

The REFORM project exemplifies innovative design strategies by challenging traditional prison typologies. The use of natural light is maximized to enhance the atmosphere within the facility, countering the negative connotations often associated with incarceration. A carefully planned circulation system facilitates movement throughout the building while maintaining security.

Vertical pathways and ramps enhance accessibility for both inmates and staff, promoting independence and encouraging social interaction. The roof garden and integrated landscaping serve as therapeutic elements, allowing for a connection to nature that is often lacking in correctional facilities. This project ultimately seeks to redefine the role of architecture in the prison system, focusing on rehabilitation and community reintegration.

For a deeper understanding of the REFORM project, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs, explore the project presentation for further insights into its unique architectural ideas and approaches.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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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