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Fair-Faced Concrete Volumes Designed for Community Engagement and Literary Exploration

Author:
Peter Loecker
Fair-Faced Concrete Volumes Designed for Community Engagement and Literary Exploration

Project in-detail

Constructed from fair-faced concrete and designed to maximize natural light, the space serves as a multifunctional hub that fosters community engagement and literary exploration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Fair-faced concrete was utilized to enhance both durability and aesthetic value.
02
Natural light is maximized through strategically placed skylights and large windows.
03
The layout is designed for adaptability, allowing for varied event configurations.
04
Sustainable practices include the use of locally sourced materials.
05
The building's volumetric design fosters a sense of openness and connection.

### Overview
The Concrete Poetry Hall, located in Rome, serves as a multifunctional space dedicated to the appreciation of poetry and literature. Within the context of the city's rich cultural heritage, the design emphasizes minimalism and functionality, aiming to create an environment that fosters both individual reflection and communal engagement. The architectural approach reflects a balance between the solidity of concrete and the ephemeral nature of poetic expression, establishing a modern venue for literary exploration.

### Spatial Configuration
The building comprises two primary rectangular volumes that house essential elements, including an entrance accessed by stairs, elevators, and courtyard areas. These volumes are interconnected to enhance accessibility and facilitate movement throughout the facility. Interior spaces are characterized by polished screed floors that create a cohesive aesthetic with the concrete facade, reflecting a modern civic architecture ethos. The innovative use of openable vertical windows and large glass sliding doors allows natural ventilation and light, creating an inviting atmosphere conducive to creativity.

### Material Characteristics
The predominant material utilized in the Concrete Poetry Hall is fair-faced concrete, utilized for both interior and exterior surfaces, providing a structural and aesthetic foundation. The smooth texture of the concrete, complemented by the use of rustic metal frames for windows and doors, introduces an engaging visual contrast. Additional materials such as wooden boards, which form the concrete facades, contribute unique surface qualities, while glass elements ensure transparency and enhance the connection between interior spaces and the environment. This careful selection of materials not only reinforces the design's conceptual framework but also promotes sustainability through reduced reliance on artificial lighting and ventilation.

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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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