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Repurposed Concrete and Native Flora Transforming a Community Landscape into a Sustainable Gathering Space

Repurposed Concrete and Native Flora Transforming a Community Landscape into a Sustainable Gathering Space
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Utilizing a substantial volume of repurposed concrete and integrating native plant species, this landscape design creates a multifunctional community space that emphasizes ecological restoration and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates over 72,000 cubic yards of recycled concrete into structural elements.
02
Utilizes a diverse selection of native, drought-resistant plants to enhance local biodiversity.
03
Features earth mounding that creates varied topography and distinct visual perspectives.
04
Integrates multiple gathering spaces for community engagement and environmental education.
05
Employs gabion construction techniques to merge structural stability with natural aesthetics.

### Overview
Located in De Smet, South Dakota, the project aims to repurpose a substantial volume of concrete rubble to establish a community space that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape. The initiative emphasizes ecological sustainability, focusing on both aesthetic and functional enhancement while addressing the pressing challenge of concrete waste. Approximately 72,832 cubic yards of rubble will be employed to create a permanent space that promotes leisure and activity, while also contributing to environmental health through strategic landscape management.

### Ecological Framework
The project is rooted in ecological restoration and community involvement. It focuses on the reclamation of an area known as "the slough," designing spaces that foster interaction with nature. The implementation of strategic planting initiatives aims to enable carbon sequestration, thereby enhancing the ecological benefits of the site.

The planned flora includes native, drought-resistant plants selected for their compatibility with the local ecosystem, such as Sugar Maple, Boxelder, and Big Bluestem. This selection aims to enrich biodiversity and minimize resource consumption while promoting carbon absorption over time, supporting the goal of eventual carbon negativity.

### Material Strategy
Utilization of materials plays a significant role in achieving the project’s sustainability objectives. The primary material is recycled concrete rubble, which will be formed into gabion blocks, providing structural stability and an organic integration into the landscape. Additional materials such as locally sourced soil, wood for walkways, and steel for structural resilience complement the overall design identity.

The layout incorporates wooden pathways and communal areas, facilitating movement and encouraging exploration. Features include viewing areas and amphitheater seating designed to host gatherings, fostering social interaction and community engagement. The varied topography, created through sloped terrain and earth mounding, enhances visual interest and provides diverse sightlines, further enriching the visitor experience.

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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

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Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025
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