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Biophilic Living Spaces Enhanced by Concrete and Glass Integration

Authors:
Magdalena Baraniak, Katarzyna Pieprzyk, Joanna Stefańczyk, Zuzanna Jankowska
Biophilic Living Spaces Enhanced by Concrete and Glass Integration

Project in-detail

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 architectural project designed to address modern urban living challenges. This project 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.

For deeper insights into the Urban House for Rome, including architectural plans, sections, and design specifics, interested readers are encouraged to explore the project's presentation. An in-depth examination of the architectural ideas and implementations will reveal how this project integrates innovative design with community-focused living.

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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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