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Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Enhance Urban Co-Living in Rome

Authors:
Magdalena Baraniak, Katarzyna Pieprzyk, Joanna Stefańczyk, Zuzanna Jankowska
Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Enhance Urban Co-Living in Rome

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and lush green roofs, the design creates a harmonious living environment that fosters community interaction within the urban landscape of Rome.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project incorporates charred wooden shingles to enhance durability and promote fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels create a lightweight yet strong structural framework, reducing construction time.
03
An innovative bent A-frame design maximizes interior space while maintaining a modern aesthetic.
04
Each living unit features expansive openings to maximize natural light and connect residents to the surrounding environment.
05
Community gardens integrated into the design encourage sustainability and foster social interaction among residents.
The Urban House project is an architectural endeavor situated in the historical context of Rome, thoughtfully designed to address the pressing challenges of urban living. This project reflects a commitment to fostering community engagement while providing adaptable housing solutions for a diverse population. It represents a blend of traditional Roman architectural influences and contemporary design practices, aiming to create a living environment that is both functional and socially enriching.

At its core, the Urban House serves not only as a residential space but also as a community hub, orchestrating interaction among its inhabitants in an increasingly fragmented urban landscape. The design focuses on various living scenarios, offering flexible housing options that cater to the needs of young professionals, families, and elderly residents alike. This flexibility is a key aspect of the project, allowing for units that can evolve as the needs of the residents change over time.

The architectural layout prominently features a central courtyard, which acts as the heart of the project. This courtyard is a thoughtfully designed space that encourages outdoor activities, gathering, and socialization among residents. By prioritizing this communal space, the design emphasizes the importance of connectivity and collective experiences, promoting a sense of belonging within the urban context.

The use of multiple floors facilitates vertical interaction, with various communal facilities strategically placed throughout the building. Key features include shared kitchens, lounge areas, and multi-purpose rooms. The "Urban Kitchen" is a standout element, designed to promote culinary creativity and social gatherings. Providing a shared space for cooking and dining, this facility encourages collaboration and community bonding, essential aspects of modern co-living designs.

From a materiality perspective, the Urban House employs a range of materials that echo both new and traditional architectural dialogues. Reinforced concrete provides the structural framework, ensuring durability and efficiency, while extensive glazing introduces natural light and visual connectivity within the spaces. Supplementing these materials, sustainable practices are embraced through the thoughtful incorporation of greenery, which enhances both aesthetic appeal and environmental quality.

The design also showcases an innovative approach to privacy and sound insulation, maintaining a balance between communal living and individual comfort. The layout cleverly positions units to minimize noise transfer, creating a tranquil living environment amidst the vibrancy of urban life. This consideration of acoustic privacy is an essential characteristic of the project, reflecting a deep understanding of contemporary living preferences.

Moreover, the Urban House project is grounded in the principles of sustainability and resilience. The implementation of green technologies and energy-efficient systems underscores its commitment to environmental responsibility. By integrating renewable energy sources and encouraging eco-friendly practices, the design aligns with modern architectural ideals focused on reducing the ecological footprint of urban developments.

This architectural design goes beyond mere habitation; it encapsulates the essence of community living in a dense urban fabric. By offering spaces for personal solitude alongside vibrant communal areas, it navigates the complexities of modern life. The thoughtful design choices throughout the Urban House highlight a shift towards a collaborative, supportive community model that resonates well with current living trends.

To gain a deeper understanding of the project, including the intricacies of its architectural plans, sections, and overall design concepts, readers are encouraged to explore the full presentation. The Urban House is not just an architectural achievement; it is an embodiment of a new way of living that harmonizes individual needs with a shared community life in one of the world’s most storied cities.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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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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