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Textured Concrete Pathway Integrating Natural Light and Sacred Space

Author:
Vittorio Falaschi
Textured Concrete Pathway Integrating Natural Light and Sacred Space

Project in-detail

Textured concrete forms seamlessly integrate with natural light to create a contemplative pathway that enhances the sacred experience for visitors at the Sanctuary of La Verna.
5 key facts about this project
01
Textured concrete surfaces mimic the natural rock formations of the surrounding landscape.
02
Strategically positioned openings create dynamic light effects throughout the day.
03
The pathway design encourages visitors to pause and reflect at designated niches.
04
Local ecological integration is emphasized through the use of native vegetation in landscaping.
05
Oblique forms provide a unique visual dialogue with the sacred space of the sanctuary.

### Overview

Located in proximity to the Sanctuary of La Verna, the design explores the interaction between architecture and the surrounding sacred landscape. The intent is to foster a physical and metaphorical pathway that guides visitors, encouraging reflection and spiritual engagement in a setting rich with historical significance. By harmonizing with the diverse topography, the project underscores the importance of integrating built form with natural elements.

### Spatial and Material Integration

The design features a series of architectural elements arranged along a clearly defined pathway, facilitating an introspective journey through the site. Each installation is strategically positioned to create sheltered niches that invite pause and contemplation. The angular structures, constructed primarily of concrete, emerge from the landscape and evoke a sense of movement. Textured concrete surfaces mimic the rugged terrain, while strategically placed glass elements enhance the connection between interior and exterior spaces, allowing for natural light to permeate through.

Landscaping plays a pivotal role in the overall composition, with native vegetation incorporated to reinforce ecological harmony. The site’s natural beauty is preserved and accentuated through careful planning, ensuring that the surrounding foliage complements the installations. The project employs cascading sections that frame views of the sanctuary, enriching the sensory experience as visitors move along the path. Light is a key feature; as solar angles change throughout the day, the interplay of light and shadow dynamically alters the atmosphere within the spaces, prompting reflections on themes of transience and permanence.

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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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