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Translucent Glass Walls and Natural Walnut Accents in an Urban Community Space

Authors:
Simone Ferrari, Sara Franchino
Translucent Glass Walls and Natural Walnut Accents in an Urban Community Space

Project in-detail

Translucent glass walls are seamlessly integrated with natural walnut accents to create an urban community space that enhances air quality and fosters connection with nature through its thoughtful design and functionality.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent glass walls provide unobstructed views while maximizing natural light.
02
Natural walnut accents enhance warmth and create a welcoming atmosphere.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
Designed with integrated outdoor patios for seamless connectivity to nature.
05
Incorporates local flora to improve air quality and promote biodiversity.

### Project Overview

"Green to Restart" is located in an urban setting where air pollution presents significant challenges to residents' health and well-being. The design intends to integrate greenery into a structured environment, providing a solution that addresses both air quality and the need for natural elements in city life. The concept revolves around cultivating a harmonious relationship between inhabitants and the natural world, envisioning an "Oxygen Home" that fosters a cleaner and more inviting urban atmosphere.

### Spatial Organization and Function

The architectural layout is characterized by distinct zones tailored to various user needs, establishing an organic flow that echoes natural landscapes. Key areas include a welcoming entrance that connects the urban environment to a more serene atmosphere, as well as designated spaces for community engagement, such as libraries and consulting rooms. Outdoor patios facilitate relaxation and interaction with nature, further enhancing the user experience. This thoughtfully arranged spatial configuration encourages movement between indoor and outdoor areas, strengthening the connection to the surrounding greenery.

### Landscape Design and Materiality

The surrounding landscape plays a vital role in supporting the project’s environmental goals, featuring local flora such as birch and ferns chosen for their ecological benefits and air-purifying qualities. In terms of materiality, the project utilizes concrete for structural integrity, natural walnut wood for flooring, and glass for transparent walls that promote interaction with nature. These material choices not only contribute to the aesthetic appeal but also support the sustainability mandate by fostering a sensory environment that emphasizes ecological awareness. The integration of varied textures and forms within the landscape mirrors natural ecosystems, reinforcing the commitment to biodiversity and environmental health.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
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