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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.
"Green to Restart" is an architectural project designed to address urban air quality issues by integrating natural elements within a structured environment. Located in an urban context, the project offers a fully realized vision of an "Oxygen Home," combining architecture and landscape to create a healing sanctuary for city inhabitants. The design emphasizes the reconciliation of natural environments and urban necessities, establishing a framework where greenery plays a vital role in enhancing air quality and user experience.

The structure employs a dual-layer approach with expansive glass surfaces that promote transparency and connectivity with the surrounding landscape. Key zones within the project include a welcoming area, library and community rooms, consulting spaces, and outdoor patios, facilitating various activities and interactions. Each area serves a purpose designed for communal engagement and personal reflection, ensuring that users can navigate between indoor and outdoor environments seamlessly.

Innovative Design Approaches and Materiality

What makes "Green to Restart" stand out is its unique integration of nature into urban living. The architectural design incorporates a diverse range of local flora, including birch and bottom fern, strategically placed to maximize ecological benefits such as air purification and biodiversity support. The use of natural materials like concrete, walnut, and poplar wood enhances the project’s warmth and connection to the environment while providing the necessary structural integrity.

The architectural design fosters a dialogue between natural and built elements, breaking conventional boundaries typically found in urban architecture. The transparency afforded by the glass walls encourages an ongoing interaction with the exterior landscape, while the warmth of the wood finishes provides a sense of comfort and belonging. This thoughtful combination of materials and design strategies reinforces the project's primary aim: to reconnect city dwellers with nature.

Spatial Organization and Community Engagement

The spatial organization of "Green to Restart" is a crucial aspect of its functionality, as it promotes fluid movement through designated zones. The layout allows users to experience different scales of interaction—ranging from intimate spaces for personal reflection to larger communal areas designed for social activities. The project emphasizes accessibility and inclusiveness, addressing diverse user needs while promoting community cohesion.

Outdoor patios offer a direct interface with the landscape, encouraging users to engage with the natural environment. This dynamic interaction is central to the project, creating an environment that supports mental and physical well-being. The design not only creates functional spaces but also fosters a communal identity rooted in shared experiences within nature.

For more insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that underpin "Green to Restart," readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation for a comprehensive understanding of its unique approach and design outcomes.
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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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