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Green Roof Garden and Jardin D'hiver in an Urban Community Center

Authors:
Francesco Grossi, Fabiola Dell'eva, Mattia Venturi
Green Roof Garden and Jardin D'hiver in an Urban Community Center
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With a focus on a roof garden and an integrated Jardin d'hiver, the design redefines urban living by enhancing community spaces while providing essential amenities in a residential setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integration of a Jardin d'hiver allows year-round access to greenery.
02
The Community Center includes a minimarket and bar for local residents.
03
Flexible co-housing complexes accommodate diverse living arrangements.
04
A roof garden connects via a sky bridge to enhance outdoor access.
05
Strategic alterations improve accessibility throughout the existing structure.

Set against the backdrop of the Balfron Tower, the design offers a new vision for urban living. It emphasizes community engagement, accessibility, and the integration of green spaces. The concept focuses on improving the existing structure to meet modern needs while respecting its historical significance. Enhancements to functionality and space aim to foster a sense of community in a dense urban area.

Community Center

A key component of the design is the Community Center, which occupies a prominent position in the frontyard of the Balfron Tower. This facility will include a minimarket and a bar, providing essential services for local residents. By placing these amenities in a central location, the design encourages social interactions and strengthens community bonds, helping to create a more vibrant neighborhood.

Spatial Configuration

The layout undergoes significant changes to improve accessibility and movement throughout the structure. New bathroom partitions will be added, while existing walls and floors will be retained. Some barriers will be removed to open up aisles and stairwells. These thoughtful alterations lead to a more open and welcoming environment, making it easier for residents and visitors to navigate the space.

Integration of Green Spaces

A notable feature is the addition of a "Jardin d'hiver," an indoor garden space that allows residents to enjoy nature throughout the year. This area is accompanied by new glass doors and windows that offer views of the outdoors. The design also incorporates a roof garden, which can be easily accessed via a sky bridge to the utility tower. These green elements not only serve as recreational areas but also play a crucial role in linking the building to its urban surroundings.

Flexible Housing Design

Flexibility is a central theme in the housing design. Co-housing complexes span several floors, featuring shared living and kitchen areas to encourage community interaction. The utility tower includes studio flats, each with “Jardin d'hiver” balconies that provide natural light and improve thermal efficiency. This approach creates a comfortable living environment, promoting connections between residents and their surroundings.

The overall design balances elements from the past with modern needs, creating a space where community life can thrive.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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