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Translucent Concrete Facades Enhancing Natural Light in A Multifunctional Urban Hub

Author:
Susanna Virolainen
Translucent Concrete Facades Enhancing Natural Light in A Multifunctional Urban Hub

Project in-detail

Translucent concrete walls filter light to create a vibrant atmosphere within a multifunctional space that fosters community interaction and engagement in the heart of Rome.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent concrete walls are designed to optimize natural light while maintaining privacy.
02
A spiral ramp connects multiple levels, enhancing accessibility and encouraging movement.
03
The building integrates seamlessly with the surrounding urban landscape, fostering community engagement.
04
Innovative acoustic design supports various functions, from conferences to performances.
05
A public plaza surrounding the structure creates an inviting space for social interaction.

### Overview

Located in Piazza Galeno, Rome, the design known as "Curve" serves as a multifunctional hub for public engagement, relaxation, and office activities. It aims to integrate effectively within the existing urban landscape while addressing the demand for adaptable public spaces. The project embodies contemporary architectural practices that prioritize user experience and natural light, contributing to the vibrancy of the surrounding area.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality

The spatial strategy prioritizes accessibility and interaction through a multifunctional spiral ramp that connects various levels, enhancing movement throughout the building. The ground floor serves as an active passageway, incorporating a café that fosters social connections. In contrast, the lower levels are designed for more private activities, including galleries and performance spaces, which provide acoustically optimized environments for exhibitions and presentations. The distinct atmospheres across each level cater to different uses, creating a cohesive experience for visitors and users alike.

### Material and Environmental Considerations

Material selection plays a crucial role in establishing an aesthetic that is both modern and contextually relevant. The building utilizes white concrete for its structural elements, offering durability and a contemporary appearance, while clear glass features in skylights and façade elements enable natural illumination and visual permeability between interior and exterior spaces. Translucent white concrete enhances the ambiance by filtering daylight, creating a soft glow at night. This thoughtful choice of materials not only contributes to the building's visual identity but also aligns with principles of environmental responsibility, promoting sustainable design practices.

The incorporation of numerous skylights and large glass areas throughout the design supports enhanced natural lighting, particularly in the underground levels, ensuring a bright and welcoming environment. This approach fosters a tranquil atmosphere and serves to highlight the architectural form, which stands in contrast to the historical context of Rome, inviting both curiosity and exploration.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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