Get inspired!

17,249 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Cantilevered Concrete Structure with Expansive Glass Facades and Integrated Green Roofs for Community Living

Authors:
Julia Warszawski, Valerie Warszawski
Cantilevered Concrete Structure with Expansive Glass Facades and Integrated Green Roofs for Community Living

Project in-detail

The integration of cantilevered concrete forms and expansive glass facades creates an open, light-filled environment that fosters community engagement through shared spaces designed for affordable urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cantilevered concrete forms provide distinct shading and visual interest.
02
Extensive use of glass enhances natural lighting and connectivity with the outdoors.
03
Integrated green roofs promote sustainability and support local biodiversity.
04
Units are designed for universal accessibility, addressing diverse resident needs.
05
Shared communal spaces foster social interaction among residents.
The project titled Formosus focuses on addressing affordable housing needs in Milan, Italy. It encompasses a modern architectural design that balances functionality, sustainability, and social integration. The project articulates a response to the growing housing crisis faced by the city, particularly affecting low-income families and immigrants.

### Housing and Community Integration
Formosus emphasizes a mixed-use approach, incorporating various housing unit types to accommodate a diverse demographic. The architectural design consists of multiple levels, each designed to promote accessibility and social interaction. The lower-level units are specifically configured to support individuals with mobility challenges, while the main floor units feature open communal spaces to enhance interactions among residents. The upper-level units exhibit a more intimate design, catering to families seeking privacy while also providing views of the surrounding urban landscape.

The project aims to create a vibrant community environment, facilitated through shared spaces and communal amenities that promote social cohesion. This design approach encourages residents to engage with one another, fostering a sense of belonging and integration within the broader context of Milan’s multicultural fabric.

### Structural and Material Considerations
The unique design of Formosus is reflected in its choice of materials and structural innovations. Concrete is employed as the primary structural element, offering durability and low maintenance, which aligns with sustainable building practices. Glass is used extensively to enhance natural light and visual connections between the interiors and the exterior environment. Steel serves as the framework for both structural support and the façade, contributing to the building's resilience. Wood is integrated in interior finishes, adding warmth and comfort to living spaces.

The architectural configuration also utilizes cantilevered forms that provide dynamic aesthetic qualities while delivering functional solutions, such as shade for outdoor communal areas. This thoughtful layering not only maximizes the efficiency of the housing units but also enhances the overall architectural expression of the project.

### Environmental and Contextual Responsiveness
Formosus integrates green design principles, characterized by energy-efficient solutions and sustainable material usage. The building includes green roofs and strategic landscaping that promote local biodiversity, reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship. The design thoughtfully responds to Milan's historical context, merging contemporary needs with traditional urban architecture.

The project serves as a model for future residential developments by demonstrating how architecture can address social issues while remaining sensitive to local culture and environment. For those interested in exploring this project further, the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas present valuable insights into its layers of functionality and aesthetic expression.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,249 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy