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Timber-Centric Living with Integrated Greywater Solutions

Authors:
Luciano Espinoza, Nahuel Espinoza, Alejandro Galvez Alvarez
Timber-Centric Living with Integrated Greywater Solutions
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With an innovative use of modular timber construction and a greywater treatment system, this living environment balances community interaction with privacy, accommodating the diverse needs of urban residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
A modular system allows flexible living arrangements within a compact footprint.
02
The incorporation of a greywater treatment system enhances sustainability.
03
Upper levels constructed with timber promote a lighter architectural feel.
04
Living compartments are available in multiple adaptable configurations.
05
A central courtyard design fosters community interaction and natural light.

Giardino is located in a rapidly growing urban area, designed to meet the need for comfortable living spaces among the increasing population. The overall concept focuses on creating an environment that balances communal living with private retreats. It aims to foster social interaction while acknowledging the need for personal space. The layout combines public areas on the lower levels with private units that rise above, encouraging a sense of community while providing safety and solitude.

Design Concept

The design effectively separates public and private spaces, allowing residents to engage with each other while maintaining their own sanctuaries. The lower two floors feature concrete areas for social activities, while wood is used on the upper levels. This choice emphasizes flexibility and lightness, making the building feel open and welcoming. The approach reflects modern urban housing that meets diverse lifestyle needs without sacrificing comfort.

Spatial Configuration

Notable in the project is a courtyard that extends upward to the roof level in inhabited floors. This design brings in natural light and creates a space for social interaction, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. The courtyard becomes a gathering place, reinforcing the sense of community among residents and enriching the overall living experience.

Flexible Compartments

Giardino introduces three types of living compartments, each measuring 12 square meters. These compartments come in right-angled, squared, and rectangular forms, allowing for different arrangements depending on family size. This flexibility enables residents to adjust their living spaces according to their needs while still being part of a larger community. The arrangement optimizes space and encourages personalization, accommodating various household dynamics.

Sustainable Practices

The project incorporates a greywater treatment system, illustrating a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. This feature reduces ecological impact and enhances the building's functionality, addressing modern urban challenges. Such measures demonstrate an understanding of the importance of sustainability in today’s architecture.

The design includes wide staircases that serve not only as pathways but also as social spaces. With seating areas and landings where residents can pause, these elements invite casual interactions and foster a sense of belonging. This detail adds to Giardino’s purpose, providing both structure and community within the living environment.

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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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