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Textured Concrete Panels Combined With Internal Gardens in a Courtyard-Centric Residential Development

Authors:
Andrea Brunazzi, Emilio Brunazzi
Textured Concrete Panels Combined With Internal Gardens in a Courtyard-Centric Residential Development

Project in-detail

Incorporating textured concrete panels and strategically designed internal gardens, this residential development utilizes a courtyard-centric layout to enhance community interaction while promoting sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Textured concrete panels provide both aesthetic appeal and thermal insulation.
02
Internal gardens enhance natural light and promote biodiversity within living spaces.
03
The central courtyard design fosters community interaction while ensuring privacy.
04
Deep metal window frames mitigate solar heat and reduce energy costs.
05
Prefabricated construction methods minimize waste and expedite the building process.

### Project Overview

This development is located in an urban environment, aiming to enhance the relationship between residents and their surroundings through a design focused on sustainability, energy efficiency, and community integration. The layout features open spaces and incorporates natural elements that address climatic challenges, fostering comfort and usability for the occupants.

### Architectural Concept and Spatial Strategy

The design is informed by the traditional Roman courtyard house, facilitating a blend of private and communal living experiences. Multiple residential units are organized around a central garden, serving as a focal point for social interaction and outdoor activity. This courtyard-centric arrangement not only promotes privacy but also enhances community dynamics. Notable features include double-height living areas that create a sense of openness and flexibility in spatial configurations, accommodating various uses such as guest accommodations and multifunctional spaces.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The choice of materials reflects a commitment to both aesthetic quality and functional performance. Prefabricated plastered concrete panels improve energy efficiency while ensuring structural integrity and visual appeal. Textured concrete panels mimic wood patterns, offering warmth to the otherwise clean architectural lines. Metal roofs designed for durability mitigate UV damage and facilitate rainwater collection, reinforcing sustainable practices. The design emphasizes minimal waste through efficient prefabrication and integrates local materials, further highlighting its ecological focus. Additionally, customizable garden walls provide privacy and shading options, allowing residents to engage with their outdoor environments according to their needs.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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