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Balconies of Local Bricks and Green Roofs Foster Community Living in Pomezia

Authors:
Francesca Masciali, Davide Di Nardo, Alessandra Natale
Balconies of Local Bricks and Green Roofs Foster Community Living in Pomezia

Project in-detail

Local bricks and lush green roofs define a residential environment in Pomezia that encourages social interaction through its thoughtfully designed communal spaces and inviting balconies.
5 key facts about this project
01
Balconies are designed as communal gardens, enhancing social engagement among residents.
02
The building utilizes locally sourced bricks to ensure environmental sustainability.
03
Green roofs promote biodiversity and aid in temperature regulation within the structure.
04
Activity rooms are strategically placed on the ground floor for easy access and interaction.
05
Rainwater management systems are integrated to support the landscape and minimize waste.
The "Balconear" housing project is located in Pomezia, Italy, and represents a significant shift in the design of communal living spaces. The project focuses on integrating private apartments with shared amenities to create an environment that promotes social interaction among residents. Its conceptual framework emphasizes connectivity while ensuring personal privacy through thoughtful spatial organization.

The core function of the "Balconear" project is to provide a residential living space that fosters community engagement without compromising individual comfort. It includes a variety of communal facilities, such as a cafeteria, fitness center, and dedicated green spaces, all oriented to encourage socialization among inhabitants. The design also prioritizes sustainability through the use of local materials and eco-friendly technologies.

Design Features and Innovations

One of the most distinctive aspects of the "Balconear" project is its emphasis on the balcony concept, which creates transitional spaces between private and public areas. The balconies are designed not only as extensions of the living units but also as communal gathering spots that can be landscaped to support local flora. This design approach encourages residents to engage with one another in a relaxed, informal manner while enhancing the overall aesthetic of the building.

The architectural layout strategically integrates communal areas on the ground floor. This design choice situates shared facilities close to the main entrances, ensuring easy access for all residents. Ground-floor spaces include a community hall, workshops, and garden areas, which function to facilitate creativity and a sense of belonging among the residents.

Sustainability and Materiality

Sustainability is integral to the "Balconear" project's design philosophy. The structure employs local bricks for its façade, optimizing thermal insulation and reducing energy consumption. Large glass panels allow ample natural light to penetrate interior spaces while providing views of the surrounding environment. Additionally, the use of green roofing and rainwater management systems enhances the ecological footprint of the development.

The careful selection of materials reflects a commitment to environmental sustainability, focusing on locally sourced options to minimize transportation emissions. This practice not only supports the local economy but also reinforces the project’s ties to the surrounding context.

For more technical insights into the "Balconear" project, including architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs, we encourage readers to explore further elements of the presentation. An examination of these components will provide a deeper understanding of this innovative architectural endeavor and its contributions to contemporary communal living.
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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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