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Textured Concrete Facade with Biophilic Landscaping Supporting Cultural Performance Spaces

Authors:
Garrett Steven Rodriguez, Joel Martinez
Textured Concrete Facade with Biophilic Landscaping Supporting Cultural Performance Spaces
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A textured concrete facade integrates with biophilic landscaping to create versatile cultural performance spaces designed for community engagement and artistic expression.
5 key facts about this project
01
Textured concrete skin enhances acoustics and visual dynamics.
02
Perforated metal canopy provides shelter and light modulation.
03
Biophilic landscaping integrates natural elements with the structure.
04
Flexible performance areas accommodate diverse community events.
05
Strategic location promotes accessibility via public transport.

### Project Overview
Located in **Piazza Galeno**, the Velvet Concrete Hall is designed as a cultural venue dedicated to poetry and artistic expression while serving as a multifaceted public space. The project aims to enhance the surrounding landscape through its innovative architectural approach, focusing on the relationship between performance and spatial experience.

### Material and Structural Strategy
The primary architectural element is a sophisticated concrete skin that provides both structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. This skin incorporates perforated metal elements that foster dynamic light interplay, creating an engaging environment. Translucent glass features are utilized throughout, facilitating natural illumination and promoting transparency in design. The structure supports two distinct performance areas, each highlighted by a perforated canopy that serves as a welcoming entrance threshold.

### Landscape Integration and User Experience
The outdoor areas feature biophilic design elements that encourage interaction with nature, such as grassy areas and a tranquil water feature situated within the courtyard. Stepped seating arrangements facilitate flexibility for gatherings and events. The careful integration of these elements softens the overall visual impact of the rigid concrete façade while enhancing the user experience in both artistic and social contexts. Additionally, the site’s strategic positioning near tram lines promotes accessibility and engagement with the broader community. Local materials are employed thoughtfully to minimize environmental impact while reinforcing a sense of place and connection to the geographical context.

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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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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

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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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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