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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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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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