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Charred Wood Elevation and Transparent Facade in Student Housing Design

Authors:
Federica Visconti, Renato Capozzi
Charred Wood Elevation and Transparent Facade in Student Housing Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood for enhanced durability, a transparent facade for natural light, and a flexible layout, the design creates an engaging living environment for university students in a revitalized urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wood shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Integrates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design that optimizes interior space and light distribution.
04
Incorporates communal areas that enhance student engagement and social interaction.
05
Includes roof gardens that promote biodiversity and effective climate control.

### Overview

The architectural design situated in Naples, Italy, addresses an underutilized urban area within the city’s historical context by providing facilities that cater to university students. The building is located in a triangular block at the "Piazza," aiming to revitalize a neighborhood marked by density challenges. The design is informed by a deep respect for Naples' historical layers while integrating contemporary architectural elements that enhance both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

### Spatial Strategy

The design emphasizes the creation of a communal hub that fosters interaction among students and residents. The ground level features a prominent entrance, elevated above the street, which not only welcomes pedestrians but also encourages social gatherings. The layout prioritizes adaptable spaces, accommodating diverse activities and group sizes, thereby reinforcing its role as a central point for community engagement. Additionally, the integration of public pathways around the building ensures improved accessibility and foot traffic, connecting various parts of the neighborhood.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The selection of materials plays a crucial role in defining the building's identity. Reinforced concrete serves as the primary structural material, supporting distinctive overhangs and cantilevers. The use of glass throughout the facade facilitates a connection between the interior and the vibrant street life, allowing natural light to permeate the space and reducing reliance on artificial lighting. Steel frameworks enhance structural flexibility and resilience.

Sustainability is a key consideration in the project, with green roofs and terraces incorporated to provide recreational spaces while contributing to energy efficiency through natural insulation. The building employs passive heating and cooling strategies, aligning with a broader commitment to environmentally responsible design.

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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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