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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.
The architectural design project undertaken in Naples represents an innovative response to urban challenges and the specific needs of its intended users, university students. Positioned in an underutilized area, the building aims to redefine student living by fostering a sense of community and enhancing the urban landscape. The design encapsulates a blend of modern architecture with a respectful acknowledgment of its historical context, resulting in a strikingly functional and engaging space.

The project consists of a multifaceted structure that not only provides accommodation but also integrates public spaces that encourage interaction. The architectural configuration embraces its triangular site, allowing for optimized use of the available area while creating dynamic volumes. The interplay of solid mass and void in the facade allows natural light to pervade the interior spaces, contributing to an environment conducive to both study and socializing.

Unique Design Approaches
One of the project's distinctive features is its approach to public accessibility. The ground floor serves as an inviting threshold, elevated from the street level to establish a clear separation from the public domain while promoting engagement with the surrounding area. This zone is designed as a communal gathering space, fostering interaction among residents and passersby.

The integration of green spaces throughout the building also sets this project apart. Roof gardens and terraces are incorporated into the design, providing recreational opportunities while enhancing sustainability. These green areas play a crucial role in urban biodiversity and help regulate the microclimate, contributing to the overall energy efficiency of the building.

Architectural Configuration and Materiality
The architectural language of this project leverages a palette of materials that reflects both durability and contemporary aesthetics. The primary use of reinforced concrete enhances structural support while allowing for creative forms, such as the extended cantilevers and the complex roof structure. Glass elements are strategically employed to create transparency in the facade, fostering a connection between the building’s interior and the urban environment outside.

This thoughtful materiality aligns with energy-efficient building strategies, utilizing passive heating and cooling techniques that reduce reliance on artificial climate control systems. The flexibility of the interior layout allows for diverse spatial uses, accommodating both quiet study areas and vibrant communal spaces.

For a more comprehensive understanding of this architectural project, including detailed architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, it is recommended to explore the full project presentation. There, you can gain deeper insights into how the creative design addresses both the functional and aesthetic needs of urban life, while seamlessly integrating into the historical fabric of Naples.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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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
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