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Recycled Rubble and Geotextile Drainage Create a Multifunctional Urban Oasis

Authors:
Alessandra Vazzoler, Elisa Carleschi, Chiara Turelli, Davide Sigurta
Recycled Rubble and Geotextile Drainage Create a Multifunctional Urban Oasis

Project in-detail

Recycled war rubble and adaptive water squares complement the use of geotextile drainage, creating a sustainable and communal urban gathering space that honors historical narratives while promoting environmental resilience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Recycled materials from a war-damaged building are integrated into the structural elements.
02
Adaptive water squares are designed for efficient rainwater management and biodiversity support.
03
Geotextile drainage systems seamlessly blend functionality with landscaping.
04
The layout encourages soft mobility through designated pathways for pedestrians and cyclists.
05
Community engagement spaces are strategically placed to foster social interaction and inclusivity.

### Overview

The design for Freedom Square aims to revitalize an essential urban area in [Geographic Location] by integrating themes of memory, sustainability, and public accessibility. This project seeks to create a multifunctional space that enhances community connectivity while addressing historical context and environmental challenges. The design employs innovative architectural strategies to reflect upon shared narratives and foster a sense of belonging among users.

### Environmental and Historical Integration

The project introduces adaptive water features and green landscapes that respond to local climate conditions, capturing rainwater and promoting biodiversity. Structures referred to as Water Flowers, along with solar panel installations, serve both aesthetic and functional purposes, emphasizing sustainability. Historical elements from the war-damaged administrative building are preserved, with approximately 70% of the original volume retained. This approach honors the site’s past while facilitating contemporary use, allowing visitors to engage with the space's rich narratives.

### User-Centric Design and Material Selection

The layout prioritizes pedestrian mobility and encourages cycling through the integration of new pathways while also utilizing recycled materials from war debris, linking the design to its history. A diverse material palette, including reinforced concrete for structural integrity, geotextile for drainage management, and the incorporation of existing war rubble, reflects both sustainability and historical relevance. Community-centric spaces such as social cafes and urban gardens are designed to enhance social interactions, creating a dynamic environment conducive to various activities and fostering community engagement.

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

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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

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