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Eroded Concrete Surfaces and Natural Ventilation Enhance Community Gathering Space

Authors:
Connie Martiniello, Katrina Newland, Alex Gorecki, Jean Kwak
Eroded Concrete Surfaces and Natural Ventilation Enhance Community Gathering Space

Project in-detail

Elevated structures made from reflective concrete and light transmitting materials seamlessly integrate with landscaped green zones, creating a versatile community hub for social gatherings and events.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated multipurpose hall enhances visual connectivity within the urban landscape.
02
Reflective concrete surfaces designed to optimize light and climate control.
03
Landscape integration features pocket parks to promote biodiversity.
04
Light transmitting materials enable unique light play throughout the interior.
05
Distinct pathways separate pedestrian flow from vehicle traffic for enhanced safety.

## Project Overview

The Piazza Galeno project is situated along Regina Margherita Avenue in Rome, Italy, an area characterized by significant vehicular traffic and urban congestion. The intent is to convert this traditionally vehicle-oriented square into a pedestrian-centric space that fosters social interaction and community engagement. This design integrates green spaces and pocket parks around the square, forming a conducive environment for community activities and enhancing urban livability.

## Spatial Organization and Connectivity

The layout consists of a primary multipurpose hall complemented by auxiliary spaces that facilitate circulation and user interactions. Elevated above the ground plane, the hall offers clear sight lines across the area, while the design strategically separates pedestrian pathways from vehicular routes, ensuring a secure zone for cultural and community events. Pathway diversity promotes accessibility and encourages natural movement through the square, effectively delineating areas for various functions.

## Materiality and Structural Features

Material selection reflects both functional needs and aesthetic objectives. Key materials include highly reflective concrete for the pavilion, eroded concrete surfaces for tactile quality, and light-transmitting concrete that allows natural light to penetrate the structure. Colour-pigmented concrete is utilized to define pathways, while durable concrete paving facilitates social interaction within pedestrian areas. Structural elements feature a lightweight concrete envelope for the hall, coupled with an intricate roof design that enhances both natural light and ventilation, thus contributing to the overall atmosphere and sustainability of the space.

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

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Competition organisers

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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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