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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 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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