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 Green Roofs Define Sustainable Living in Milan’s Urban Housing

Author:
Marek Lafata
Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Define Sustainable Living in Milan’s Urban Housing

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and green roofs create a harmonious blend of sustainability and urban living in Milan, offering affordable housing that prioritizes community interaction and environmental sensitivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates mirrored buildings to enhance communal living and spatial efficiency.
02
Green roofs contribute to biodiversity while improving building insulation and air quality.
03
Loggias provide outdoor spaces for residents, fostering privacy and personal connection to nature.
04
Community gardens on the ground floor encourage social interaction and community engagement.
05
The use of charred wooden shingles adds to sustainability while providing a distinct aesthetic.
This architectural project focuses on a well-planned affordable housing initiative located on Ellia Lombardini Street in southern Milan. It directly addresses the pressing need for accessible housing in an urban environment characterized by increasing population density and housing shortages. The project consists of two mirrored apartment buildings designed to promote a sense of community while effectively making use of available space.

At its core, this design represents a thoughtful solution to urban living challenges, emphasizing community interaction and sustainability. The buildings are structured to provide residents with various apartment configurations that accommodate different family sizes and lifestyles. Each unit features practical designs that prioritize both comfort and functionality, ensuring that all residents have access to necessary amenities while enjoying a modern living space.

The architectural form of the structures is marked by their clean lines and minimalist aesthetic, which contributes to a contemporary yet approachable appearance. Featuring five stories, both buildings integrate public and private spaces seamlessly. The ground floors are dedicated to community gardens that serve as green spaces for gathering, relaxation, and environmental enrichment. These gardens encourage community interaction among residents and enhance the overall livability of the project. The upper levels provide residents with loggias—outdoor spaces that afford privacy while allowing for personal reflection and connection with the outdoors.

A notable design element is the green roof systems incorporated into the buildings, which serve multifaceted purposes. These roofs not only contribute to improved insulation but also foster a healthier microenvironment within the urban setting. They play an essential role in promoting biodiversity by providing habitat space for various species. This thoughtful consideration of green space within the confines of urban architecture illustrates an important commitment to environmental sustainability and quality of life.

Materiality is another critical aspect of this design. The project thoughtfully utilizes durable materials such as concrete, glass, wood, and metal to construct a building that is both resilient and inviting. The combination of these materials has been selected to balance structural integrity with aesthetic appeal, ensuring that the buildings blend well within the urban fabric of Milan while also standing out through their design quality.

The unique approach of mirroring the two buildings not only serves as an aesthetic choice but also reinforces communal living by creating a cohesive and inclusive environment. This architectural decision reflects a deep understanding of social dynamics, fostering opportunities for neighborly interactions while ensuring privacy through distinct apartment layouts. The flexibility in these layouts, designed to adapt to various family structures, showcases an innovative response to contemporary housing needs. This adaptability is vital in urban planning, addressing the diverse requirements of potential residents.

This affordable housing project not only aims to provide residential units but also sets a framework for future urban developments, where sustainability and community are at the forefront. It serves as a practical model that other cities might consider in confronting similar housing challenges.

For those interested in a more comprehensive understanding of this architectural project, including its architectural plans, sections, and varied design approaches, a deeper exploration of the presentation materials is encouraged. This detailed examination offers insights into the thoughtful decisions made throughout the design process, highlighting both innovative ideas and practical solutions in modern architectural practices.
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