“Kidane” in Ethiopian “covenant, alliance” is a work of important dimensions born from the synergy and communion of purpose between the client, designers, workers and local government to create a place of hospitality and cultural exchange for unaccompanied minors. A complex system that brings together different disciplines and knowledge, combining skills and knowledge, not only constructive and architectural, aimed at social and environmental sustainability, zero kilometer and energy saving.

The double value of the project is also represented by the choice of the site, located in the northwestern suburban area of Padua, which is characterized by severe building and urban decay as well as abandonment and underutilization of residual agricultural land among “dormitory” neighborhoods. The two existing buildings, once used mainly for housing and agricultural outbuildings, will be recovered and upgraded both from the plant/energy and hygienic points of view. The new buildings designed and connected to each other in such a way as to give a family dimension of relationships and educational relations will be constructed in the area to the east, bordered by the existing hedges. The new residences were built entirely of wood with x-lam technology in Casaclima Nature to minimize the environmental impact of the work, as well as to improve comfort.

The choice of wood was an important element for the client as they maintained a project strongly focused on the environment, well-being and expression of the essence of living. Materials, shapes, and colors were chosen according to a precise architectural storyboard. Special attention was also given to new “smart” technologies and renewable energy that follow the principles of innovation, economic and environmental sustainability. Future works will include learning and educational spaces, a guesthouse for guests who can bring added value to the whole community of minors, a wine-farming hostelry to taste the products of the farm, a space for socializing. The meeting of minors, work and training activities, reception and catering spaces, social and educational spaces, is how architecture takes on a new dimension and becomes social architecture.