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Recycled Metal Façade and Biophilic Greenhouses Enhance Community Connectivity in Venice

Authors:
Federico Chiavegati, David-ioan Droc
Recycled Metal Façade and Biophilic Greenhouses Enhance Community Connectivity in Venice

Project in-detail

A recycled metal façade and integrated greenhouse structures create a sustainable communal hub along Venice's canals, fostering a vibrant connection between local commerce and cultural activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Recycled metal façade integrates sustainable practices while enhancing visual connectivity with the surroundings.
02
Biophilic greenhouse structures contribute to environmental sustainability and social interaction within the space.
03
Open terraces provide multifunctional areas that encourage community gatherings along the canal.
04
The design employs a modular approach, allowing flexibility in spatial configuration for diverse activities.
05
Strategically placed glazing maximizes natural light and views, fostering a connection with the outdoor environment.

### Overview
The Venetian Commons at Sacca della Misericordia is located within a historical context in Venice, addressing significant issues such as population decline and urban underutilization. The project aims to revitalize the area by introducing a contemporary design that balances modern functionality with respect for the city's rich cultural heritage. It intends to create a sustainable communal space that fosters living, artistic expression, and local commerce, thereby enhancing the sense of community for both residents and visitors.

### Spatial Strategy
The design features three main functional cores: Cultural, Commerce, and Theatre. Each core serves a distinct purpose, promoting versatility within the public space. The architectural layout encourages pedestrian flow and social interaction, featuring terraces and seating areas that connect internal spaces with the adjacent waterfront. This strategic arrangement facilitates gatherings and events throughout the day, allowing the site to adapt to various activities from local markets to theatrical performances.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Material choices reflect a commitment to sustainability and aesthetic appeal. The structural elements include metal bows and a recycled metal façade, which enhance durability while minimizing environmental impact. An outer glazed structure maximizes transparency and light, creating an inviting atmosphere. Additionally, the inner greenhouse structure promotes biophilic design, integrating greenery into the space. The project prioritizes renewable materials and energy-efficient systems, addressing ecological concerns related to the Venetian environment, particularly in light of rising sea levels. Public involvement and cultural events are integral to the Commons, reinforcing its role as a community hub.

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

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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

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