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Rainwater Harvesting and PET Wool Insulation in a Radial Layout Music School Residence

Authors:
Maria Fernanda Fracassi Pietrobelli, Maria Victória De Oliveira Penteado
Rainwater Harvesting and PET Wool Insulation in a Radial Layout Music School Residence
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Incorporating a central Araucária and utilizing rainwater harvesting alongside PET wool insulation, the design merges environmental sensitivity with a radial layout to serve as a functional residence and music school for children.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central Araucária serves as a focal point, enhancing the connection to nature.
02
Radial layout promotes interaction between living and educational spaces.
03
Walls incorporate PET wool for thermal and acoustic insulation.
04
Rainwater harvesting systems are integrated into the design.
05
Outdoor patios provide interactive areas for both students and residents.

The design centers around a residence and music school for Cecília, who teaches music to children. Located in Curitiba, Brazil, the design responds to the specific challenges of the area, including its cold climate and ongoing water crisis. The layout employs a radial form to connect living and working spaces, allowing for easy movement and interaction between these different functions.

Design Concept

The layout features a radial organization, creating a relationship between the areas designated for living and working. This arrangement encourages connection while providing practical functionality. Outdoor patios are integrated into the design, offering a space to connect with nature. By including these elements, the design promotes interaction and engagement, which is particularly valuable in an educational setting.

Site Selection and Context

The chosen site is in the Jardim Botânico neighborhood, a location that provides access to necessary services while maintaining a mainly residential atmosphere. Surrounding low-rise buildings help reduce noise and allow sunlight to enter the home. A prominent feature of the site is a medium-sized Araucária tree, significant both functionally and symbolically, as it connects the design to the local environment and culture.

Structural Organization

The structure incorporates two curved arch segments inspired by the shape of the Araucária and Casa Oswaldo Navarro. This choice helps to define the spaces while maintaining an organized layout. The roof is designed with beams arranged at 10-degree intervals, creating a pattern that supports the spaces below. Private and social areas are clearly distinguished, allowing for different uses without compromising flow. A defined path promotes accessibility through the home and school, guiding movement throughout the spaces.

Environmental Integration

Design strategies address local environmental challenges, focusing on thermal and acoustic comfort. The walls consist of two sheets of reforestation wood filled with PET wool, a recycled insulating material. This choice illustrates a commitment to sustainability and honors local materials. To further address water scarcity, the design includes a system to collect rainwater through the roof gutters.

A wind chime is hung near the Araucária, providing an auditory landmark that enhances the connection with nature. This detail adds an element of sensory experience to the environment while inviting interaction 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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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 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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