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Water-Absorbent Concrete With Integrated Greenery in a Community Sanctuary

Authors:
Dome boonyanurak, Raksak Chuapakdee
Water-Absorbent Concrete With Integrated Greenery in a Community Sanctuary

Project in-detail

Utilizing water-absorbent concrete and integrated vertical gardens, the design creates a communal sanctuary that fosters interaction while harmonizing with the urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes water-absorbent concrete techniques for enhanced moisture management.
02
Incorporates vertical gardens as a defining element of the façade.
03
Features flexible spatial layouts to accommodate diverse community activities.
04
Preserves existing trees within the design to promote ecological continuity.
05
Connects multiple levels through strategically placed openings and light wells.

## Overview
The Santuario de Concreto is situated in an urban setting at a key intersection of community routes, designed to serve as a multifunctional space that fosters communal life while engaging with its surrounding environment. The project reflects philosophical inquiries into the evolution of civilization and the ongoing relationship between humanity and nature. By focusing on a balance between the built and natural worlds, the design aims to create a sanctuary that accommodates various community activities.

### Spatial Configuration and Circulation
The layout of the Santuario de Concreto is organized into distinct functional zones across multiple levels. The ground floor serves as the main entrance, facilitating visitor access and movement throughout the facility. Levels B1 to B4 are designed to house reception areas, exhibition rooms, conference venues, and cafes, all interconnected to encourage interaction among users. The incorporation of open community spaces emphasizes social engagement, allowing for events and gatherings that reinforce community ties. The design strategically contrasts solid concrete formations with open spaces to optimize natural light and airflow while maintaining necessary privacy.

### Materiality and Sustainability
This project primarily utilizes concrete as a structural element, symbolizing urban life and civilization, while large glass panels enhance connectivity with the outdoors. The introduction of vertical gardens and other green surfaces contributes to biophilic design principles, promoting biodiversity and improving local air quality. Advanced construction techniques, including the use of water-absorbent structures, demonstrate a commitment to innovation and sustainability. Additionally, a sustainable ventilation system has been integrated to dynamically manage light, air, and water, reflecting an environmentally conscious approach to architectural design.

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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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