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Reflective Pools and Vertical Gardens Enhance Sustainable Space Built with Reinforced Concrete and Steel Framework

Author:
Yunong Li
Reflective Pools and Vertical Gardens Enhance Sustainable Space Built with Reinforced Concrete and Steel Framework

Project in-detail

Incorporating reflective pools and vertical gardens, this space utilizes reinforced concrete and steel framework to create a multifunctional cultural hub that fosters community interaction and environmental awareness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates extensive reflective pools to enhance natural light throughout the interior.
02
Integrates vertical gardens designed to improve local biodiversity and air quality.
03
Features a combination of reinforced concrete and steel framework for structural integrity.
04
Utilizes adaptive reuse principles by repurposing an existing water plant infrastructure.
05
Creates fluid, interconnected pathways that encourage user interaction across the site.

## Overview

The project repurposes an obsolete water plant into a multifunctional cultural hub, enhancing community engagement and environmental awareness. Located in a specific region that emphasizes the significance of water in urban settings, the design strategically interweaves built form with natural elements, reflecting the complex relationship between users and their environment.

### Water-Centric Spatial Strategy

A defining characteristic of the design is its integration of water as a key element in the spatial organization. Pathways and platforms extend over the water, creating the sensation of floating and encouraging interaction. Pools and channels are incorporated throughout the site, serving both aesthetic and ecological functions while inviting users to engage deeply with the water surroundings. The overall layout features circular and organic shapes that promote fluid movement, with designated spaces for leisure, education, and community gatherings strategically positioned along the water’s edge.

### Material Selection and Natural Integration

The project's material palette is fundamental to both structural integrity and the visual impact of the space. Reinforced concrete provides durability for foundational elements, while a steel framework supports graceful roof arches that resonate with the reflective qualities of water. Extensive glass facades maximize natural light and foster transparency between indoor and outdoor spaces. An emphasis on tactile connections is achieved through the use of natural stone for landscaping and wooden elements, which introduce warmth to seating areas. Additionally, thoughtfully integrated foliage, vertical gardens, and native plantings not only enhance biodiversity but also soften the urban landscape, promoting ecological sustainability throughout the site.

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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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