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Weathered Cortén Facade Overlooking Natural Landscapes in a Multifunctional Community Center

Authors:
Stefano Cirino Bosco, Ernesto Alberghina, Esedra Sava, Luca Sergio Maci
Weathered Cortén Facade Overlooking Natural Landscapes in a Multifunctional Community Center

Project in-detail

Constructed with a weathered Cortén steel facade that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape, the multifunctional community center integrates diverse recreational spaces, promoting social interaction and connectivity among residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building utilizes weathered Cortén steel to create a facade that seamlessly blends with the natural environment.
02
A double-height gym serves as the central hub for various community activities.
03
Strategic incorporation of large windows enhances natural light throughout the interior spaces.
04
Multipurpose rooms are designed for flexibility, allowing diverse community functions.
05
The landscape design integrates outdoor areas that encourage recreational use and social gatherings.

## Overview

Located in Lentini, Sicily, the multifunctional facility is designed to revitalize a space previously occupied by an abandoned school building. The intent is to create a community-centric hub that accommodates various sports, recreational, and social activities, bridging contemporary architectural expressions with the region's historical context.

## Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The design concept employs ancient rectilinear forms inspired by the area's architectural heritage, facilitating a functional layout that integrates indoor and outdoor spaces. A double-height gym serves as the central atrium, connecting various multipurpose rooms and recreational areas. This spatial organization promotes smooth flow between activities and fosters social interaction among users. Large windows and strategically placed openings enhance natural light penetration, reinforcing the connection to the surrounding landscape and creating an inviting atmosphere.

## Materiality and Sustainability

Key materials include weathered cortén steel for façade cladding, providing durability and an expressive architectural presence. Concrete serves as a foundational element, while glass facilitates transparency and views. Wooden finishes contribute warmth to the interiors, reinforcing user comfort. The landscaping incorporates native plantings, further integrating the structure with its natural environment. Sustainable design practices are a focal point, with features such as natural ventilation, daylighting, and the use of locally sourced materials, aimed at minimizing the building's carbon footprint and promoting a healthy environment for all users.

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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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