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 Dynamic Stairways in a Modular Community Living Space

Authors:
Elisa Laiti, Giulia Pradel, Daniele Salzani
Charred Wood Cladding and Dynamic Stairways in a Modular Community Living Space

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood cladding and versatile stairways, the design creates a vibrant community living environment that fosters social interaction while seamlessly merging private and shared spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Diagonal stairways connect different levels while encouraging social interaction among residents.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide both structural integrity and a sustainable building solution.
04
Loggias serve as semi-private outdoor spaces, extending living areas and promoting community engagement.
05
The use of permeable paving around the grounds aids in sustainable water management practices.
The architecture project "Stairway to Re-Pop" is a thoughtfully designed housing development situated in the Blackwall area. This project embodies a vision for modern urban living, focusing on the integration of functional residential units with engaging communal spaces. It aims to address the increasing demand for housing while fostering a sense of community, responding to contemporary social needs through innovative architectural solutions.

At its core, the project represents a harmonious blend of living and social interaction. It features a range of apartment types, including both simplex and duplex configurations, carefully arranged to facilitate connectivity among residents. The design promotes a lifestyle that values community engagement, encouraging interaction rather than isolation.

One of the key elements of "Stairway to Re-Pop" is its unique approach to vertical circulation. The project's defining feature, the diagonal stairways, serves both an aesthetic and functional purpose. These stairways are designed to not only connect different levels but to create an inviting, accessible pathway for inhabitants to traverse the building. They are placed prominently, allowing residents to navigate between apartments and shared spaces with ease, which encourages a flow of movement throughout the structure.

The project’s architecture uses a variety of materials that contribute to its overall identity. Reinforced concrete forms the structural backbone, ensuring durability and strength, while expansive glass facades enhance natural light and create a visual connection to the outdoors. The inclusion of steel elements in the stair design adds a contemporary touch, balancing functionality with aesthetic appeal. Warm wood finishes are employed in the interiors to provide comfort and a sense of homeliness. Moreover, permeable paving has been utilized in the surrounding areas to support sustainable practices regarding water management.

The layout of the apartments reflects the intention to provide diverse living options, accommodating various household sizes. Duplex units cater to larger families, offering different levels that enhance spatial experience, while simplex apartments cater to individuals or couples looking for a more compact residence. This variety in the housing typology is an essential factor in promoting inclusivity within the community.

Another noteworthy feature of the design is the loggias integrated into the west facade. These semi-outdoor spaces not only provide privacy but also extend the living area into the outdoors, encouraging residents to engage with their environment. The covered square at the base of the building serves as a communal gathering space, designed to facilitate social interaction among residents. This space is a critical component of the project, transitioning between the building and the landscape while reinforcing community ties.

What sets "Stairway to Re-Pop" apart from conventional housing projects is its inherent adaptability and responsiveness to the needs of urban dwellers. It addresses the challenges of modern housing by embedding social interaction within its framework, turning an ordinary living experience into one that values connection. The architectural approach taken in this project is a testament to the possibilities of creating homes that foster a sense of belonging and community.

For those interested in exploring these concepts further, a detailed presentation of the project highlights essential architectural plans, sections, and designs that illustrate how "Stairway to Re-Pop" realizes its vision. Engaging with these elements will offer deeper insights into the architectural ideas that define this distinctive housing development.
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