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Green Walls and Glass Facades in a Historic Church Redevelopment for Urban Living

Authors:
Lindsay Mazzeo, Erin Malone, Lucas Castellane
Green Walls and Glass Facades in a Historic Church Redevelopment for Urban Living

Project in-detail

Repurposing a historic church into a multifunctional community hub, this urban development integrates green walls and extensive glass facades to create sustainable living environments tailored for millennials.
5 key facts about this project
01
Repurposes an existing church structure into a vibrant community space.
02
Incorporates green walls to enhance air quality and aesthetics.
03
Features extensive glass facades for natural light and visual connectivity.
04
Utilizes cross-laminated timber for sustainable construction practices.
05
Creates a central courtyard designed to foster social interaction.
San Giacomo Square is an architectural project designed to address the living preferences of millennials in an urban context in Italy. It seamlessly integrates communal and private spaces, creating a coherent living environment that encourages social interaction among residents. The project involves a comprehensive redevelopment of an existing site, transforming it into a functional and innovative urban community while respecting its historical context.

The design centers on a central courtyard that acts as a communal hub, providing various amenities aimed at fostering connections among residents. The layout of San Giacomo Square incorporates distinct neighborhoods composed of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, tailored to accommodate the diverse needs of a modern urban population.

Innovative Material Usage and Community-Centric Design

The architectural design emphasizes a blend of materiality, combining concrete for structural integrity, glass for enhanced natural lighting, and wood for interior warmth. Notable features include large cut-outs and balconies that extend the living space indoors and outdoors, promoting casual exchanges among tenants. The redevelopment cleverly repurposes a historic church into a multifunctional communal area that includes a café, co-working spaces, and recreational facilities. This adaptive reuse not only preserves architectural heritage but also enriches the communal fabric.

A key aspect of the design approach involves the integration of sustainable features, such as green walls that serve as vertical gardens, contributing to improved air quality and aesthetics. The balance between public and private zones has been meticulously crafted to respect individual privacy while ensuring accessibility to shared amenities. Every residential unit is designed with seasonal adaptability in mind, allowing for comfort and functionality throughout the year.

Enhanced Connectivity and Interaction

The thoughtful arrangement of spaces within San Giacomo Square encourages interactions among residents. The architectural design blurs the lines between private and communal areas, allowing for social engagement while maintaining a sense of personal space. The incorporation of study lounges, fitness centers, and social gathering spots caters to the active lifestyle of millennials, further supporting community integration.

Additionally, the design prioritizes user experience through effective spatial organization and thoughtful access points, inviting residents into shared spaces that foster collaboration and social connection. This project exemplifies a strategic response to the needs of contemporary urban living, providing a blueprint for future developments aimed at engaging similar demographics.

Explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs to gain deeper insights into the project’s innovative solutions and unique approaches. Through a detailed examination of these elements, a broader understanding of the architectural ideas at play in San Giacomo Square can be achieved, highlighting its potential impact on urban living and community building.
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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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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