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Repurposed Aqueduct Featuring Prefabricated Steel Framing and Hydro-Dipped Surfaces for Affordable Housing

Author:
Blake Minster
Repurposed Aqueduct Featuring Prefabricated Steel Framing and Hydro-Dipped Surfaces for Affordable Housing

Project in-detail

Utilizing the historic structure of a Roman aqueduct, the design incorporates modular units with prefabricated steel framing and hydro-dipped surfaces to create affordable housing that harmonizes with its urban context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Repurposes an existing Roman aqueduct as a structural component for residential units.
02
Incorporates hydro-dipped surfaces to enhance aesthetic integration with the environment.
03
Utilizes prefabricated steel framing to reduce construction time and environmental impact.
04
Features elevated walkways to promote community interaction while maintaining privacy.
05
Provides 567 affordable housing units in an historically rich urban setting.

The Aqueduc Habitation project in Cachan, France, represents a thoughtful integration of affordable housing within a historically significant structure, the Roman aqueduct. The design aims to address the pressing need for housing while preserving an important aspect of urban heritage. The project consists of 567 residential units, realized through a careful examination of the aqueduct and its surroundings, allowing residents to experience the unique relationship between past and present.

Innovative Structural Integration This project stands out for its unique approach to utilizing existing infrastructure. By repurposing the aqueduct as a basis for residential units, the design minimizes the need for new land development while maximizing vertical space. The housing modules are prefabricated, allowing for efficient assembly and reduced on-site construction time. The choice of materials, including high-reflective glass, steel framing, and repurposed concrete from the aqueduct itself, highlights a commitment to sustainability and historical continuity. The design also employs hydro-dipped paint on the exterior, promoting aesthetic harmony with the natural surroundings.

Community-Centric Design The layout of Aqueduc Habitation prioritizes community interaction while maintaining individual privacy. Elevated walkways connect the various living units, facilitating movement within the development and encouraging social engagement among residents. The strategic positioning of studio and one-bedroom apartments ensures that each unit benefits from natural light and views of both the aqueduct and the surrounding landscape. This consideration for spatial organization enhances the overall livability of the project, fostering a sense of community in an urban context.

To gain deeper insights into the design's architectural plans, sections, and overall architectural concepts, readers are encouraged to explore the detailed presentation of the Aqueduc Habitation project. The examination of these architectural elements will provide a comprehensive understanding of how the design addresses both contemporary housing needs and the preservation of historical significance.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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