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Phytodepuration-Centric Community Space with Rainwater Management Features

Authors:
Federico Serventi, Antonio Piga
Phytodepuration-Centric Community Space with Rainwater Management Features
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Utilizing a rainwater management system and phytodepuration processes, the design creates a unique community space that melds interactive learning with natural exploration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes prefabricated concrete blocks for efficient rainwater management.
02
Incorporates local flora to enhance ecological awareness and community interaction.
03
Features interactive pathways designed to engage visitors of all ages.
04
Integrates a phytodepuration system for sustainable wastewater treatment.
05
Blends cave-like spaces with elevated areas for diverse user experiences.

The project introduces an original interplay of space and nature, creating a unique environment that invites interaction and exploration. Located on a flat plain, the design features a notable cave and a hill, both serving as fundamental elements that connect people to their surroundings. Through a progressive experience from enclosed spaces to open areas, the design fosters a sense of discovery and a relationship between visitors and the landscape.

Cave and Hill

The duality of the cave and hill acts as the backbone of the design. The cave offers an intimate setting, while the hill provides a strong visual presence. Upon entering, visitors pass through two openings that guide them into narrower corridors, eventually leading to a larger main hall. This hall is the centerpiece of the design, linking multiple functional areas and facilitating movement throughout the space.

Functional Areas

Within the structure, three key functional areas are thoughtfully designed: a museum, a playground, and a camping site. The museum showcases local art installations, inviting visitors to engage with creativity while also featuring native plants cultivated from the hill. This aspect emphasizes the connection between culture and nature.

The playground is designed for children, encouraging them to interact with the cave’s features playfully. This area not only promotes fun but also sparks an interest in the natural world. The camping site offers shelter, allowing visitors to escape the elements and appreciate views of the surrounding woodland, enhancing their experience of nature.

Materiality and Sustainability

Materials used in the project reflect a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness. Concrete is employed in prefabricated blocks that support a rainwater management system, effectively collecting and filtering precipitation. Grass is another important material, facilitating natural processes and contributing to the site’s ecological goals.

The design stands out through its focus on balancing built space with the natural environment. By considering the arrangement of spaces and the choices of materials, the project achieves a harmonious blend that invites engagement with both community and nature. The careful details throughout the design encourage visitors to observe and appreciate the landscape, creating a rich experience in connection with the surroundings.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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