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Charred Wooden Shingles and Flexible Layouts in a Community-Focused Living Environment

Authors:
Katelyn Foote, Kajsa León-lilja, Stephanie Aya pastrana
Charred Wooden Shingles and Flexible Layouts in a Community-Focused Living Environment

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and designed for flexibility, the community living environment integrates shared gardens and accessible pathways, promoting connection among residents while supporting diverse lifestyles.
5 key facts about this project
01
Developed with adaptable layouts to accommodate changing resident needs.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
Features communal gardens designed to foster resident interaction and engagement.
05
Includes accessible pathways that cater to diverse mobility requirements.

The "Vita Collettiva" project is an architectural design located in the Casale Neì neighborhood of Rome. It aims to redefine communal living by offering a range of residential units that foster social interaction while ensuring individual privacy. This project represents a forward-thinking approach to urban housing, where the focus is on creating shared spaces that enhance community life while addressing modern living needs.

The architecture features a blend of sustainable building materials and innovative design strategies that promote accessibility and interaction among residents. Key components include various residential configurations, communal facilities, and green spaces that together create a supportive living environment for diverse populations.

Unique Aspects of the Project

The "Vita Collettiva" distinguishes itself through its emphasis on community cohesion. The design integrates communal kitchens, lounges, and garden spaces that encourage residents to engage with one another, contrasting the isolation often found in traditional apartment designs. The incorporation of sustainable materials, such as concrete cladding and wood shutters, not only contributes to the project's aesthetic but also enhances its environmental performance.

Additionally, accessibility is a central design consideration, with thoughtful pathways and adaptable layouts catering to residents of all ages and abilities. The plan includes flexible room configurations, allowing spaces to be repurposed based on changing needs. This adaptability is key to ensuring long-term functionality and relevance in an evolving urban landscape.

Architectural Layout and Functionality

The architectural layout includes 22 residential units, ranging from studios to larger apartments, strategically positioned to optimize natural light and views. Ground-floor commercial spaces integrate with the community, providing local business opportunities and essential services for residents. The design also features elevated terraces and common gardens that serve as communal open spaces, integral for social gatherings and leisure activities.

While retaining a focus on privacy, the overall configuration of "Vita Collettiva" emphasizes the importance of shared living. The collective areas, such as interactive play spaces for children and communal dining facilities, are intentionally designed to facilitate interaction, creating a sense of belonging among residents while enhancing the community fabric of the neighborhood.

For further insights into the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs that characterize the "Vita Collettiva" project, it is encouraged to explore the complete project presentation for a comprehensive understanding of its design ideas and functionality.

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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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