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Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Flexibility in Sustainable Urban Living

Authors:
Andrea Bosio, Cristina Caprioli
Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Flexibility in Sustainable Urban Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and biophilic design principles, the residential complex redefines urban living by offering modular units that promote adaptability and communal interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that promotes natural ventilation and light.
04
Integrates adaptable living spaces with movable partitions for personalized layouts.
05
Encourages communal interaction through strategically designed shared areas.

### Overview

"Bending Standards" is an architectural project situated near the Termini railway station in Rome, designed to address the complexities of urban collective living. The intent is to create adaptable living spaces that cater to a diverse demographic, fostering both privacy and communal interactions. The project integrates modern design principles to enhance inclusivity and responds to the challenges of contemporary urban environments.

### Spatial Configuration and Functionality

The design features a series of modular units that balance private and communal areas, strategically allocating spaces for sleeping, cooking, bathing, and social gatherings. Central to this layout is the living room, functioning as an informal gathering hub, equipped with movable seating to accommodate various activities. The compact kitchen is designed for flexibility, facilitating interactions during meal preparation while occupying a minimal footprint. Each unit's bedroom reflects a dual approach to privacy and community, while the efficient bathroom design emphasizes utility without compromising comfort.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The materiality of the project underscores a commitment to sustainability and user-centric design. Predominant materials include wood, which imparts warmth, glass for transparency and natural light, concrete for structural integrity, and textiles in movable partitions to enhance flexibility. This thoughtful selection not only contributes to the aesthetic quality of the spaces but also aligns with biophilic design principles, enhancing the relationship between the built environment and its natural surroundings. The integration of greenery in and around the buildings further reinforces this environmental sensitivity.

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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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