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A Biophilic Residential Structure Enhanced by Concrete and Glass Integration

Authors:
Magdalena Baraniak, Katarzyna Pieprzyk, Joanna Stefańczyk, Zuzanna Jankowska
A Biophilic Residential Structure Enhanced by Concrete and Glass Integration
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Concrete and glass elements merge with biophilic design in a medium-large residential structure that prioritizes communal living through shared kitchen spaces and adaptable living units.
5 key facts about this project
01
Community-oriented urban kitchen fosters social interaction among residents.
02
Modular units allow for customizable living arrangements tailored to diverse lifestyles.
03
Integrates biophilic design elements, enhancing connection to nature within urban settings.
04
Vertical connectivity through open staircases encourages spontaneous gatherings on multiple levels.
05
Rooftop gardens support sustainability while providing communal outdoor spaces for relaxation.

The Urban House for Rome is a contemporary design to address modern urban living challenges. It highlights a blend of community-oriented design and adaptability, catering to the increasing need for flexible housing solutions in densely populated urban environments. The architecture draws inspiration from traditional Roman living arrangements while innovatively reinterpreting them for today’s context.

The design emphasizes communal living and social interaction. The pivotal element of the project is the urban kitchen, which serves not only as a cooking space but also as a social hub fostering community engagement among residents. The layout strategically integrates shared facilities alongside private living units, promoting a balanced lifestyle where social and personal needs coexist harmoniously.

Community-Centric Design Approaches

What distinguishes the Urban House for Rome from typical residential projects is its focus on community building through spatial organization and innovative design. The ground floor is dedicated to shared amenities such as markets and services, which enhance daily living and encourage interactions among residents and the public. This urban kitchen stands out as a multifunctional space designed for workshops and communal meals, facilitating collaboration and cultural exchange.

The building employs a vertical design approach, incorporating open staircase systems and accessible terraces that reinforce social connectivity between different levels. By utilizing biophilic design principles, the project seamlessly integrates greenery into both private and communal spaces. This inclusion of nature not only improves residents’ quality of life but also contributes to sustainable urban living practices.

Flexible and Adaptable Living Arrangements

The Urban House offers a variety of residential units that range from compact apartments to larger family spaces, ensuring adaptability for various lifestyles. The modular nature of these units allows for customization, addressing the diverse demographic needs of residents in Rome. This flexibility is essential in urban settings where household configurations are continually evolving.

Specific architectural details include the use of robust materials such as concrete for structural integrity and glass for visual connectivity and light penetration. Steel framing supports the building’s modern aesthetic, while wood finishes add warmth and character to interior spaces. Terraces with integrated greenery not only provide outdoor space but also enhance the building’s environmental performance.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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