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 Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Reinvigorate Urban Living Spaces

Authors:
Fatemeh Bahari, Soheil Shahnazari
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Reinvigorate Urban Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles enveloping cross-laminated timber panels create a sustainable living environment that seamlessly integrates communal spaces within the historical context of Rome.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural strength while maintaining sustainability.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and ventilation throughout the communal spaces.
04
Community-driven workshops allow residents to create and customize their furniture.
05
The layout fosters a seamless transition between private units and shared public areas, encouraging interaction.
The project “OUR URBAN LIVING ROOM” emerges as a thoughtful architectural intervention in the historic context of Rome, specifically around the vibrant Piazza Della Pilotta. It represents a fresh dialogue between the past and contemporary urban life, aimed at addressing the growing disconnection in public spaces and fostering community engagement. This architectural endeavor challenges traditional notions of public and private spaces, emphasizing the importance of communal living through a design that accommodates both shared and individual experiences.

At its core, "OUR URBAN LIVING ROOM" functions as a collective house, an innovative concept that reimagines urban gathering spaces in a city steeped in history. The architecture is crafted to encourage interaction among residents and visitors, integrating outdoor areas with internal living spaces. By embracing the history of communal use, the project seeks to restore the vibrancy of public life in the piazza, reminiscent of how these spaces were utilized in Giovanni Battista Nolli's 1748 mapping of Rome. The design not only provides residential units but also includes communal facilities that foster social interactions and activities, effectively reclaiming the concept of public space in an urban setting that has seen a gradual shift toward privatization.

Each design element has been meticulously planned to serve a dual purpose, creating an environment where private living spaces coexist with communal areas. This arrangement facilitates a gradient of social interaction, from intimate private areas to larger shared zones that accommodate gatherings, activities, and events. Such versatility is vital in adapting to the varying needs of the community. The incorporation of collective furniture also speaks to the project's participatory ethos, inviting residents to engage in the creative process of their living environment. This approach not only builds a sense of belonging but also contributes to the sustainability of the community.

Materiality plays a crucial role in the architectural expression of "OUR URBAN LIVING ROOM." Utilization of wood introduces warmth and a tactile quality that resonates with the human experience, while steel elements provide the necessary structural integrity. Glass panels are strategically employed to enhance connectivity with the outdoors, allowing natural light to permeate the interiors and fostering a sense of transparency and openness. Concrete offers durability and a grounding presence in the urban landscape, creating a striking contrast with the more delicate materials used throughout the project.

The design also incorporates principles of accessibility and adaptability, allowing spaces to be reconfigured for different uses or events. This flexibility makes it possible to host a variety of activities, from community meetings to art exhibitions, thus further encouraging resident participation. The interplay of indoor and outdoor spaces blurs the boundaries between private and public, inviting a dynamic interaction that is vital for contemporary urban living.

Beyond its architectural merit, “OUR URBAN LIVING ROOM” serves as a cultural hub that stimulates local traditions and fosters a sense of community pride. By providing areas that can accommodate local events, markets, and artistic endeavors, the project aligns with the broader objective of enhancing the cultural vibrancy of Rome. This emphasis on community engagement through architecture encourages a re-examination of how urban living can be revitalized to better serve the people.

In summary, "OUR URBAN LIVING ROOM" is more than a residential project; it stands as a testament to what architecture can achieve in urban contexts by reinforcing social connections and revitalizing public spaces. The innovative approach to design, material selection, and spatial organization invites ongoing dialogue and exploration, showcasing how thoughtful architectural interventions can transform the urban landscape. For those interested in delving deeper into this project, reviewing architectural plans, sections, and detailed design features will provide valuable insights into the underlying concepts and applications of this remarkable undertaking.
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