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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Create Flexible Co-Living Spaces

Authors:
Maria Amado mannise, Maria Eizayaga, Natália ayumi Sato, Taís De moraes alves
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Create Flexible Co-Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Combining charred wooden shingles with cross-laminated timber panels, this architectural design establishes adaptable co-living spaces that promote community engagement while emphasizing sustainability and modern aesthetics.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design that allows for creative spatial arrangements and aesthetic appeal.
04
Features shared outdoor loggias that promote community interaction and connection to nature.
05
Employs a modular layout enabling flexible living configurations for various household sizes.
Co.VILLA is an innovative architectural project located in Rome, Italy, designed to respond to the contemporary challenge of urban housing. This project represents a thoughtful exploration of flexible living arrangements, envisioned to foster community connection while addressing the diverse needs of urban residents. By blending individual privacy with shared resources, Co.VILLA emphasizes the importance of social interaction in densely populated environments.

The primary function of Co.VILLA is to provide adaptable housing that caters to varying household sizes and dynamics, ranging from singles to families. The design effectively integrates communal and private spaces, allowing residents to enjoy both solitude and connection. Each living unit is designed with a modular approach, enabling easy customization and reconfiguration as residents’ needs evolve over time. The layout encourages engagement through strategically placed communal areas, such as shared kitchens and lounge spaces, which promote daily interactions among residents, enhancing overall community spirit.

Co.VILLA features several important architectural components that contribute to its unique identity. The project is characterized by its modular design, allowing for a variety of living arrangements while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. Each unit is equipped with micro-private areas that provide essential personal space, juxtaposed with expansive collective amenities designed to facilitate gatherings and communal living. The integration of outdoor loggias fosters a connection to nature, providing shared terraces where residents can relax and engage with one another.

Sustainability is at the heart of Co.VILLA's design. The project employs a range of environmentally friendly materials, including a timber platform frame that enhances energy efficiency and acoustic comfort. The use of double-pane windows minimizes heat loss while allowing natural light to permeate the living spaces, promoting a healthy and inviting atmosphere. Furthermore, the architectural design incorporates sun shading technologies and strategically planned vegetated areas that contribute to energy conservation and enhance aesthetic value.

One of the more striking aspects of Co.VILLA is its approach to the integration of technology within the living environment. A smart co-living platform facilitates resource sharing and community engagement, encouraging residents to connect and collaborate in innovative ways. This technological aspect supports a lifestyle that embraces both individual needs and collective endeavors.

The conceptual framework of Co.VILLA pushes the boundaries of traditional housing. It serves as a prototype for future housing developments that prioritize social connectivity, sustainability, and adaptability. The various architectural details, such as the layering of materials and the modulation of indoor and outdoor spaces, reflect a nuanced understanding of modern urban living. The emphasis on flexibility and user agency empowers residents, allowing them to shape their living experience in a manner that suits their unique lifestyles.

As you explore the project presentation, you will find detailed architectural plans that illustrate the spatial dynamics and relationships within Co.VILLA. Additionally, architectural sections reveal how the design thoughtfully addresses natural light and ventilation, while architectural designs showcase the aesthetic coherence of the project. By examining these elements, one can gain a deeper appreciation of how Co.VILLA embodies the principles of contemporary architecture. This project not only redefines urban living but also provokes thought about future housing solutions that harmonize individuality and community.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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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