Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Phytodepuration-Centric Community Space with Rainwater Management Features

Authors:
Federico Serventi, Antonio Piga
Phytodepuration-Centric Community Space with Rainwater Management Features

Project in-detail

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.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy