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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.

### Project Overview

Located in a natural landscape, the REFORM project is designed for a juvenile reform prison with the aim of addressing the complexities of incarceration, rehabilitation, and reintegration of young individuals into society. The design intent focuses on creating an environment that fosters personal growth and nurturing connections with both nature and the broader community. By emphasizing transparency and engagement, the project seeks to shift away from traditional prison architecture, which often conveys isolation and despair.

### Architectural Composition and Spatial Strategy

The structure is elevated utilizing columns and cantilevered elements, providing expansive views and enhancing safety standards. A truss-like system ensures openness while supporting extensive glass façades, facilitating visual connections to the exterior. The facility is organized into distinct zones, beginning with the reform area at the entrance and transitioning to more controlled cell environments toward the rear. This arrangement allows fluid movement through the building, with integrated vertical and horizontal circulation pathways emphasizing accessibility for both staff and inmates.

### Materiality and Outdoor Connection

Key materials such as precast concrete, glass, steel frames, and wood elements are utilized to achieve structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. Precast concrete offers durability, while glass façades flood interiors with natural light. Balconies and terraces are incorporated to create semi-public spaces that promote interactions with the surrounding nature, enhancing the overall rehabilitative experience. The design also integrates green roof systems, which mitigate heat absorption and improve insulation, further solidifying the connection between the facility and its natural environment. Through these strategic material choices and outdoor integrations, the design supports both the physical and psychological well-being of its inhabitants.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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