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Charred Wood Facade and Glass Stacking Design for Community Living

Author:
Sherley Matos
Charred Wood Facade and Glass Stacking Design for Community Living

Project in-detail

Blending a charred wood facade with transparent glass air chambers, this residential complex redefines urban living by fostering community interaction and prioritizing sustainability through flexible, affordable housing options.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project incorporates air chambers between glass layers to enhance thermal and acoustic insulation.
02
Each apartment includes direct access to shared terraces that promote community interaction.
03
Utilizes a modular design approach to accommodate a range of household sizes and configurations.
04
Features a biophilic integration of planters throughout the facade to connect residents with nature.
05
The charred wooden shingles used in the exterior finish provide both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
The Mod’Arco Living project is a thoughtful architectural endeavor situated in Milan, Italy, designed to address the emergent challenges of urban living, specifically the need for affordable housing. This project represents a progressive step towards creating inclusive, community-focused environments within densely populated urban settings. The design reflects a clear understanding of modern residential needs, prioritizing flexibility and social connectivity while ensuring individual privacy.

At its core, Mod’Arco Living serves as a residential complex that offers a varied assortment of living spaces, tailored to accommodate different household sizes and demographics. The architectural design features three distinct housing types with sizes of 36 m², 54 m², and 72 m², allowing for a diverse range of family configurations and lifestyle choices. This careful adoption of diverse unit sizes fosters inclusivity, encouraging a mixed community that can thrive within a shared environment.

One of the significant innovations in this project is its vertical stacking arrangement. This approach maximizes the use of available land, creating a compact yet functional living space that contributes to the urban fabric without sprawling into the surrounding environment. Each apartment is designed to include access to shared terraces, which not only extend the living area outward but also serve as communal gathering spaces that facilitate social interaction among residents. The incorporation of greenery through planters enhances the aesthetic quality of these outdoor spaces while promoting a sense of well-being and connection to nature.

The design includes strategically positioned air chambers constructed between layers of glass. This unique feature enhances both thermal and acoustic performance by ensuring residents enjoy a comfortable indoor environment, insulated from urban noise while benefiting from natural light. The choice of materials plays a crucial role in this project, utilizing natural resources such as bricks and glass. Bricks provide structural integrity along with a tactile, warm appearance, while glass is employed to create transparency, allowing light to permeate the interior and dissolve the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Furthermore, the project’s ground level houses essential commercial spaces and services, such as laundry facilities and common rooms. This concept of embedding utility within the residential framework reduces the need for residents to travel far for everyday necessities, reinforcing the principles of sustainable urban living and increasing the overall convenience of life in this community.

Mod’Arco Living represents a striking example of how contemporary architecture can address the complexity of urban dwellings with practical solutions that foster community and individual well-being. The architecture encapsulates thoughtful design principles, blending functionality with sustainability to create an inviting atmosphere that encourages interaction among residents while providing them with the privacy they seek.

Exploring the project’s architectural plans, sections, and designs can provide deeper insights into the meticulous thought processes that went into shaping this innovative residential environment. For those interested in contemporary architectural ideas, Mod’Arco Living serves as an exemplary model of how effective design can transform urban living spaces into thriving communities.
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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
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