Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Charred Wood Cladding and Carbon Nano-Tubes Merge in a Sustainable Urban Co-Housing Solution

Author:
Isaac Greenetz
Charred Wood Cladding and Carbon Nano-Tubes Merge in a Sustainable Urban Co-Housing Solution

Project in-detail

Utilizing carbon nano-tubes and charred wood cladding, this urban co-housing initiative seamlessly integrates sustainability with modular design to foster community living in the heart of Rome.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates carbon nano-tubes to enhance structural strength while minimizing weight.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for improved durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features modular units that can be adapted or relocated according to residents' needs.
04
Includes extensive green terraces designed to improve biodiversity and air quality.
05
Integrates 3D printed components to optimize construction efficiency and resource management.
The Altea Rosata Co-Housing project represents a thoughtful architectural response to the challenges of urban living in Rome, designed to optimize both communal interactions and individual privacy. Nestled within the historic context of Piazza Mazzini, the project combines modern co-housing principles with a commitment to sustainability, offering a viable solution for affordable and adaptable urban housing.

At its core, this architectural endeavor focuses on creating a community-oriented environment where residents can thrive in a dynamic living space. The project is designed to accommodate multiple residential units that are interspersed with communal areas, fostering relationships among neighbors while still respecting the need for personal space. The architectural design promotes a sense of belonging and encourages collaborative living, addressing the contemporary demands for both community and privacy.

The layout of the project emphasizes vertical living, showcasing a carefully organized arrangement of stacked units that make efficient use of the footprint provided by the existing structures. This stacking method not only maximizes the building's capacity but also enhances its aesthetic appeal through varied geometrical forms. The modulation of volumes and the thoughtful integration of green terraces create a visual dialogue with Rome's historical landscape, allowing the new addition to coexist harmoniously with its surroundings.

Key elements of the design include spacious communal areas such as sky gardens, co-parks, and shared kitchens that encourage residents to engage with one another regularly. These communal spaces are strategically placed throughout the structure to ensure accessibility and promote interaction, while the private living units are cleverly designed to provide comfort and solitude. The thoughtful distribution of light and airflow further enhances the quality of life within the building, allowing natural elements to infiltrate both public and private realms.

Material selection plays a crucial role in the overall concept of the Altea Rosata project. The use of materials such as carbon nano-tubes, radiative cooling structural wood, bamboo cladding, and 3D printed components speaks to a progressive approach to construction. This choice not only emphasizes durability and sustainability but also integrates advanced technologies that reduce the ecological footprint of the building. The implementation of green terraces filled with vegetation promotes biodiversity and offers environmental benefits, contributing to a more balanced urban ecosystem.

One of the project's unique design approaches is its emphasis on adaptability and flexibility. The residential units can be rented out, shared, or even relocated within the towers, enabling residents to customize their living arrangements according to their personal needs. This adaptability encourages a diverse range of lifestyles and fosters a vibrant community atmosphere, catering to various demographic groups and their changing requirements over time.

Furthermore, the integration of smart technologies and efficient systems throughout the building enhances the overall livability and sustainability of the project. By incorporating features that promote energy efficiency and resource management, the Altea Rosata Co-Housing project aligns closely with contemporary architectural ideas focused on sustainability and resilience in urban centers.

Potential residents and stakeholders interested in the Altea Rosata project are encouraged to explore its architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs to gain a thorough understanding of its innovative approach. The project exemplifies a meaningful intersection of architectural thought, community integration, and environmental responsibility, making it a relevant case study in the ongoing discourse around urban housing solutions today. Exploring its details can provide deeper insights into how architecture can effectively address the challenges of modern urban living while fostering a sense of belonging in an increasingly crowded world.
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 16544 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